What tropical paradise would be complete without coconuts? You may find one of 80 varieties of coconut palms at your Kauai resort or Kauai vacation rental. It takes about 12 months for a coconut to mature so take time to enjoy this healthy fibrous fruit, nut and seed while you are here on your Kauai vacation.
One of the World’s Most Useful Plants.
This tropical delicacy was brought to Hawaii by the Polynesians and is found on all eight of the main islands. When children were born, coconut trees were planted for them so they would have fruit throughout their lifetime. This was an important resource that provided not only food, but also liquid and building materials. The ancient Hawaiians used the fiber for their canoes and the shells were the base of the Hawaiian knee drum.
Attend the Coconut Festival – October 5 and 6 at Kapa`a Beach Park
Every October the “Coconut Coast” on the Eastside hosts their annual celebration of this Tree of Life fruit. Events include coconut crafts, cooking demonstrations and entertainment. At any time of year you will see coconut trees left over from the old plantations as you drive along Kuhio Highway from Wailua to Kapa`a. They were cultivated in hopes that copra, the dried meat that produces oil, would be a viable crop.
Mail A Coconut Home.
You may find a coconut under a tree near your Kauai condo or ask our landscape crew if they have one to share. Take the coconut to the Lihue airport for agriculture inspection and to have it stamped USDA approved. Then get creative with a sharpie and write the address on the coconut. Final stop is the post office for mailing. No box required!
Enjoy Fresh Coconut at Kauai Farmer’s Markets.
Watch them being opened with a machete and then enjoy fresh coconut juice. Afterwards the soft spoon-meat is ono delicious. You can also buy a few extras for your refrigerator to enjoy ice cold. Ask the vendor to leave some flesh at the top so they don’t leak but can still be opened with a knife.
Kauai Dining with Coconuts.
Whether you dine in at your Kauai vacation rental or have an evening out, coconut always adds a tropical flavor to any dish. Use flakes of coconut flesh to coat shrimp and bake or fry. Coconut milk can also be a substitute for dairy and is a great base for many curries. Try coconut in your favorite ice cream and Shave Ice too. For the ultimate tropical escape, sip a Pina Colada cocktail made from cream of coconut while watching a spectacular Kauai sunset at The Beach House.
Re-hydrate with Coconut Water.
A great taste after running the Kauai Marathon or an active day on our Kauai beaches. The most healthy are unflavored and natural varieties. Check them out with our Kauai shopping tips and at local heath food markets.
Best Suggestion – Don’t stand under a coconut tree unless wearing a hard hat! Falling coconuts are not a good thing.
Share your favorite coconut stories with us. Whether it’s a local product, Kauai food or favorite place to find coconuts, we’d like to hear from you.
Tyler Buck says
Is there any place in Hawaii I can purchase coconut palm seeds to take home?
JP says
Aloha Tyler, Our best advice is to check with a certified nursery. Here is a list by island from the Hawaii Plant Industry Division with links to each one: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/pq/certified-nurseries/. For more information, contact the Hilo Plant Quarantine Office at (808) 974-4141. They are a resource for all of the islands. Best wishes from Parrish Kauai
Roy Charles says
I’m very impressed…your website displaying Kauaui coconuts is well done and informative…I am currently looking for a local Hawaiian supplier of fresh coconuts…do you have any to sell ?…and could you ship them to Honolulu?…Thank you…Roy C.
JP says
Aloha Roy,
Mahalo for your note and compliments. Unfortunately, I do not know anyone who ships coconuts. You may want to contact some of the vendors at the local farmers markets.