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Niu-
Traditional Hawaiian Coconut Varieties:
Niu Hiwa and Niu Lelo
In ancient Hawaiian tradition, two major types of coconut were distinguished:
Niu Hiwa :Traditionally described as having a dark green husk and a black shell. Used ceremonially, for medicinal purposes, and for cooking.Women were generally kapu (forbidden) from eating the flesh of niu hiwa or using certain parts in material use.
Niu Lelo :Described as having a reddish-yellow husk and a brownish shell (or yellow shell)Considered a more “secular” coconut type — used in everyday (non‑ceremonial) contexts. It was not used for certain medicinal or ritual purposes.However, other parts of the tree (fronds, trunk) may have been used more broadly.
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