History of the Hawaiian Kukui Tree

The Kukui or Candlenut tree is the state tree of Hawaii.
Native to Southeast Asia, it was brought to the islands by the early Polynesian settlers. In Hawaii, the tree has a spiritual significance of hope and renewal, and was involved in many legends. Kukui nuts, were highly in demand in early Hawaii and are still today one of the most common seeds with many uses. The amazing kukui tree symbolizes Hawaii in many unique ways. Its picturesque form constitutes some of the splendors of the Hawaiian forest. As the most common of Hawaii's forest trees, the kukui tree can grow up to 80 feet tall. Its light-colored leaves are covered with a silvery powder which helps to distinguish it, along with the twisted trunks and branches of the kukui tree. With the tree's striking form, its eight-inch, maple-shaped leaves, its fragrant white flowers, and of course its colorful history, the kukui tree is a beautiful symbol of Hawaii.

Originally reserved for royalty in ancient times, the kukui nut was worn by the reigning chiefs and Kings of Hawaii, known as Ali'I, during the days of the Hawaiian Monarchy. The fashionable Kukui nut leis that were worn by royalty and are used today as the traditional way to greet visitors to the enchanted paradise are finished and polished with kukui nut oil to last for years. Another traditional piece of the ancient Hawaiian monarchy were hand-carved wooden bowls, or calabashes. The ancient Hawaiians shaped calabashes using natural stone and various coral tools. After the calabashes had been designed and hollowed out to the desired shape, kukui nut oil was applied to enhance the look of the grain and to polish the wood to leave it with a soft, matte oil finish to last a very long time.

The kukui nut oil was not only used on handmade bowls, but also on Koa tree canoes, and surfboards. When fully completed, kukui nut oil was rubbed over the entire canoe to waterproof it. The use on surfboards was first documented in 1896, when a proper "surfbuilding ritual" was observed. Stains were obtained from the soot of the burned kukui nuts, and to complete the process, a dressing of kukui nut oil was applied and when it dried, the surfboard was black and glossy and ready for surfing.

Holua means to sled, and that is just what they did. A little known fact is that the ancient Hawaiians invented bobsledding. Covering the course track with kukui nut oil aided speed and lubrication for a smooth and fast ride.

The humble kukui nut was originally used for its oil, which one can burn for light. The ancient Hawaiians used kukui nut oil as lamp fuel which led to the way they began to measure time. Other uses included using the oil to make shampoos, using the kernels for spicing, or "Inamona", and as a fun toy called the "Hu" a top-like toy.

As a medicinal plant, the kukui nut has many uses. The kukui nut is similar, though "rougher," in flavor and texture to the macadamia nut, which has similarly high oil content. The kukui nut oil is an stimulant and is sometimes used as a hair tonic. In ancient days, the pulped kernels or boiled leaves were used in remedies for headache, fevers, ulcers, and swollen joints. In addition, thousands of years ago the ancient Hawaiians realized the kukui nut oil was an excellent moisturizer and to this day it is highly regarded as a nourishing and penetrating oil for the skin. Used to help protect babies' delicate skin, Hawaiians treasured this soothing and healing oil. Meaning, "enlightened", this natural oil forms a semi-permeable barrier that protects dry skin from further damage and permits skin to heal naturally.

Today, cultivation of the kukui nut is done primarily to obtain its oil. Each tree produces approximately 30 - 80 kg of kukui nuts, which in turn yield oil in an amount of 15-20% of the nuts' weight. The majority of the oil produced is used for local commerce rather than in the international trade, since Hawaiians themselves have so many uses for the oil.

With the kukui tree's striking form, its eight-inch, maple-shaped leaves, its fragrant white flowers, and of course its colorful history, the kukui tree remains a beautiful symbol of Hawaii.

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