What's the best way to open a coconut?

I've seen all sorts of crazy ways to get a coconut open, obviously with the main goal of drinking the contents and not spilling the fluid in the sand (Tom Hanks would be proud).

Whether on the beach in the Caribbean or at a street vendor in Southeast Asia, there's often a machete involved and swift, repetitive swings of a blade which seem all too close to someone's fingers! I've often admired their dexterity while secretly stressing about their safety as they flash open a huge pile of coconuts in minutes.

This morning I found a cool video from the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii, showing how to safely and effectively open the interior without spilling a drop.

Skip ahead to 01:10 if you don't fancy using your teeth!