Ornamental, the large umbrella-size leaves of Licuala grandis are used for thatching.  Studies with methanol leaf extracts of the plant suggests analgesic and antioxidant properties.

Solitary palm, up to 4 m in height with persistent leaf bases just below the crown. Leaves palmate, dark green, ascending and spreading in all directions; petiole slender, leaf circular in appearance, but really more wide than long, not divided, stiff, plaited, margins shallowly lobed. Inflorescence is interfoliar, arching outward from the axis. Ripe fruits cherry red, globose.