The coconut was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by the ancient Polynesians when they first settled on the uninhabited archipelago. While the exact origin of the coconut is disputable, the plant thrived in the inviting tropical environment becoming an important part of the Hawaiians culture. The brown, husky fruit it produced became a popular addition to their diet and their beauty rituals. The plant was officially named the coconut by the British who combined the word "coco" used to describe it by the Portuguese with the word "nut" because of its hard exterior.

Today the coconut is recognized for its beneficial properties and is a vital ingredient in several different natural skin care products and preparations. Yet, before the fruit was acknowledged for its usefulness by the western world the Hawaiians had already integrated it into their daily lives. The coconut tree with its long sinewy body and network of large cascading leaves remains a symbol of the warm tropical climate it typically inhabits. The Hawaiian Islands are famous for many exotic attractions including its abundance of these remarkable trees.

Role in Hawaiian History, Culture, and Religion
The coconut tree, though, not an indigenous plant to the islands had a fundamental role in the natives' diet and construction processes. The meat from the coconut was consumed as a tasty treat and the water was imbibed as a nourishing liquid. The fiber of the coconut was used to cover the canoes of warriors, while the emptied coconut shell was utilized in the creation of the shark skin crafted piniu and often to make knee drums. The Polynesians planted coconut trees on all the major islands in the archipelago. Lanai, Maui, Kaho'olawe, Hawaii, Molokai, Kauai, Oahu and Ni'ihau are still home to numerous coconut trees. Some of the original sites where the ancient settlers began cultivating this plant are still around today. The Big Island, Molokai and Oahu, in particular, maintain ancient coconut groves that are now considered viable tourist attractions.

The largest of the islands, Hawaii, houses the historic and sacred site: Pu'uhonua O Honaunau. The area was considered a safe haven for ancient Hawaiian criminals and derived much of its prominence from the coconut grove found within the site. The large trees provided a shaded area for homes and the royal fishponds. It has since been converted to a national park which extends from the palace grounds to the edge of its borders. Coconut trees tend to flourish on the Leeward side of the main island. The environment is conducive to the plant's well being with ideal temperatures, adequate levels of rainfall and pleasantly humid conditions.

Molokai retains an ancient coconut grove in the town of Kaunakakai, which is located in the southern part of the island. The Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, as it is called, was established in the era that marked King Kamehameha V's regime. These were introduced to act as a permanent shade for his royal fishponds. The grove filled a 10 acre area with more than 1,000 trees covering it. Many of these trees have survived although entry to the once lavish grove is restricted because of the risk of injury from falling coconuts. Tourists are allowed to view the prestigious acres of coconut from the safety of the beach park that adjoins the site.

The story of the origin of the famed Helumoa Coconut grove in Oahu is a source of both awe and laughter. The oral traditions speak of Kakuhihewa, a descendent of the island's chief Mailikukahi, who was inspired to build a large coconut grove after his encounter with a celestial chicken. The grove prospered, producing tens of thousands of coconut trees. It later became the site for King Kamehameha's new royal home and then the lavish home of his descendant, Kamehemeha V. The grove exists today as a historic site and place of interest.

Uses of the Coconut
The coconut has several different uses. The tree and the fruit have been used extensively in construction, medicine, skin and hair care, nutrition and health. The husk is often used to improve the growth rates of other plants when placed on top of soil. The thick shell is a welcomed material for the creation of craft items including instruments, bowls and buttons. The actual fibres are used to make mattresses, brooms, baskets, mats, shingles, and brushes among many other things.

The oil from the coconut is excellent as both a culinary and beauty ingredient. It is used in shampoos, lotions, tanning oil, soaps, conditioners and massage oils. The tree is a great substitute for hardwood and is used in the construction of houses, bridges, boats and drums. The roots of the tree are also quite useful. A single root fiber is a good substitute for a toothbrush, because it is able to go in between the close spaces of the teeth. Additionally the roots of the coconut are used in the manufacturing of dyes, mouthwash and medications for the gastrointestinal disease, dysentery.

Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains perhaps the most beneficial properties of the coconut. The oil is known for its high concentration of lauric acid, a chemical which has both antibacterial and anti-viral properties. Current research suggests that consuming this vital oil can lower the risk for heart disease, improve the immune system, encourage better digestion and improve the body's ability to heal. Additionally, when applied topically it effectively reverses the signs of aging and helps heal dry, sun-damaged skin.

Thus, coconut oil is now widely marketed as an active ingredient in many beauty products. When used on the skin, the effects are almost immediately palpable. Skin becomes softer, more elastic and more resilient. Over time skin looks younger and less prone to the drying effects of the sun and other elements. The same results are also visible when applied to the hair. When used in its natural form or as a shampoo or conditioner, hair becomes stronger and looks healthier.

The coconut is an amazing plant that has found the perfect home on the extraordinary Hawaiian Islands. Its utility and ornamental value makes it a welcomed addition to the tropical environment. The natives have revered the monumental tree and its delectable fruit for centuries and undoubtedly will continue to do so for a very long time to come.

You might also be interested in these other natural skin care articles:
Natural Skin Care Products | Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care | Natural Dry Skin Remedies | Hawaiian Skin Care | Organic Skin Care | Plant and Nut Oils for Skin Care | Essential Oils | Tropical Aromatherapy | Natural Skin Care made in Hawaii | Botanical Skin Care | Skin Exfoliation | Hawaiian Beauty Secrets | Hawaiian Stone Therapy | History of the Hawaiian Kukui Tree | History of Shea Butter | History of the Macadamia Nut Tree | Hawaiian Sun Protection | Keeping your Skin Healthy on Vacation | Skin Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

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