 Kukui Nut Tree |  Green Kukui Nuts |
The Kukui (Aleurites moluccanus) nut tree grows throughout the Hawaiian Island Chain. The Kukui is also known as the Candlenut tree, referring to one of the many uses of the Kukui nut. The ancient Hawaiians were known to burn kukui nuts like candles to provide light. In addition, the tree's nut oils were used for cooking, preserving fishing nets ('upena in the Hawaiian language) and as a varnish. It's leaves and kukui nut shells were used in lei making and the nut shells were charred for tattoo ink. It's wood was used in canoe building and it's bark for medicinal purposes. Kukui nut is also a key ingredient in a Hawaiian recipe called inamona. Inamona consists of roasted/crushed kukui nut mixed with Hawaiian salt and is a popular addition to a local Hawaiian favorite poke (seasoned raw tuna).
 |  A polished kukui nut lei |
In Hawai’i, the meaning of Kukui is a symbol of enlightenment, protection and peace. The Kukui became Hawaii's State Tree in 1959.
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