That is a question that The Parrish Collection office at Nihi Kai Villas is asked daily. If you have ever been around a coconut tree when a coconut falls off the tree you know it could really hurt you if it hit you. So for liability reason the coconuts are cut off the trees.Here at Nihi Kai Villas the coconuts and dead fronds are trimmed from the trees every six months. If you are lucky enough to be here when this is done you will be treated to quite a show. The trimmer must climb to the top of the tree with spiked boots and a rope carrying a machete. When he reaches the top must keep his balance hanging off the tree while he cuts the coconuts and fronds with a machete, dropping them to ground. So not only must he watch out for people underneath the trees he must also watch for trees infested with ants. His crew then picks them up puts them on his electric cart then takes them to the shredder.
Our trees are trimmed by Willy’s Tree Service and Lawncare. His sign on his truck says “We like them big” Willie William Padasdao is the owner and is the trimmer, assisted by an uncle, nephew and daughter. Willie has never fallen out a tree. Can you find Willie in the top photo?
Willie moved here from the Philippines when he was 12 years old. He started his first landscaping job with Kauai Lagoons when he was 20 years old. There he learned how to climb the trees and cut the coconuts out and has been doing it for the last 22 years. From there he started his own business and has island wide service residential and commercial. He has been cutting trimming the trees at Nihi Kai Villas for the last seven years. Willie is married and resides in Koloa with his wife and two daughters.
Do you want to celebrate all things coconut while visiting Kauai? Check out the Annual Kauai Coconut Festival!