Hold the coconut firmly on a stable surface
Locate the coconut’s natural seam or equator
Tap around the seam with the back of a heavy knife, cleaver, or hammer
Rotate the coconut and keep tapping until it cracks open
Drain the coconut water first by piercing one of the soft eyes with a screwdriver, knife tip, or skewer
Wrap the coconut in a towel before striking if you want better control
Use a nutcracker or coconut opener if available
Split the shell further with a knife or cleaver after the first crack
Remove the flesh with a spoon or coconut tool