The wood can be used to preserve some fire. It takes a long time to burn. As well, the leaves can be used to make some type of medicine. The coconut fruits offer clean sweet water in large quantity. The young coconut flesh is soft and sweet.
Most tourists are surprised when they discover it has the consistency of yogurt.
The old fruits contain a little less water but have a thick, hard white flesh that can be eaten as is, or used as an ingredient in all kinds of cooking. The same flesh can also be squeezed to produce oil. This oil is good for cooking or can be used as a health product for the skin. The old flesh can also be pulverized with water to produce the famous coconut milk found in supermarkets. When you see sprouted coconuts, you might think they aren't edible anymore.