Niu Festival brings community together in celebration of culture, stewardship, lāhui

Niu Festival: A Ho‘opono Event in Hilo brought hundreds of community members together last weekend to celebrate niu — the coconut — as a symbol of life, resilience and cultural continuity.

What began as a vision for education and activation became what organizers called a powerful demonstration of what collective action looks like when rooted in ʻike Hawaiʻi.

Attendance surpassed expectations, with families, kūpuna, keiki, growers, cultural practitioners, small businesses and community leaders filling Haili Street and later the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Hilo.

The day offered immersive learning grounded in mālama ʻāina from hands-on weaving of pāpale and baskets to keiki activities, food vendors, planting demonstrations and education about the coconut rhinoceros beetle.

The evening program at the Palace featured cultural presentations, screening of “Niu Forever” and a Ho‘opono: Mutual Emergence talk story gathering bringing deeper reflection to the importance of protecting niu and its kino lau.

While organizers continue reflecting on the magnitude of the festival, one question continues to echo from the community: “Are you doing this again next year?”

“With collaboration from the Palace Theatre and the Hilo Downtown Improvement District, this was a seamless undertaking,” said Hui ʻOihana – Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kapono Kekela in a release about the festival’s success. “This is what lāhui in action looks like.”

The festival was hosted by Hui ʻOihana in partnership with cultural organizations, agricultural advocates and community collaborators. It underscored the vital connection between having enough food, cultural practice, environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

“Seeing Haili Street activated in this way, filled with culture, education and community, reminds us of the power of downtown Hilo as a gathering place,” said Hilo Downtown Improvement Association Vice President Ivory Quintal in the release. “Events like Niu Festival strengthen our local economy while honoring who we are as a people.”

The event also amplified urgent awareness around the threat of the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle and collective responsibility to protect Hawaiʻi Island’s niu and agricultural future.

Organizers said the festival’s energy affirmed that when the community gathers with shared intention, the impact is lasting.

Visit the Hui ʻOihana website or follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram for additional information and future updates.