The Kukui Nut lei meaning and its history in Hawaii are fascinating. Learn all about it here! It’s easy to spot a kukui nut tree in Hawaii; just look for the canopy of shimmering silvery-green leaves, and you’ll know what we’re talking about.

The kukui was named the official emblem for the State of Hawaiʻi in 1959 because of its many uses and its symbolic value. Examples: He aliʻi no ka malu kukui, a chief of the candlenut shade [chief of uncertain genealogy]. Related: Kukui is one of the plant forms of Kamapuaʻa that comes to help him (FS 215). Called kuikui on Niʻihau. References:

Kukui are large trees common throughout Hawaiʻi, found in forests of the lower mountain zone, where they can be identified from a distance by their pale foliage (underside of leaves reflects light). Large crops of fruits are produced each year, 75-100 pounds of nuts from a single tree.

The kukui tree (Aleurites Moluccana) was designated the state tree of Hawaii in 1959; the blossom of the kukui is also the official island flower of Moloka'i.

2024年3月19日 · Kukui (Aleurites moluccanus), also known by its nickname candlenut, was brought to Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers over a thousand years ago and plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Its distinctive nuts, round and smooth, are valued for their versatility.

“Pupuhi kukui—malino ke kai” (spewed kukui nuts – calm seas) is a Hawaiian proverb about the usefulness of this technique. Kukui trees are the kinolau (physical manifestation) of the Hawaiian pig god Kama Puaʻa, and you can see his face within the leaves. The triple pointed leaves resemble a pigʻs snout and ears. discover Our botanical tour!

2023年1月31日 · Kukui, also known as the candlenut tree, holds a special place in Hawaiian culture and tradition. This remarkable tree, which thrives in the lush landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands, has been revered for centuries for its myriad of uses and symbolic significance.

2024年10月8日 · Kukui Nut: What’s It All About? First brought to the islands by Polynesian explorers from Southeast Asia, Aleurites moluccana, or kukui, is the state tree of Hawaii. With light green foliage covered in a silvery-white powder, these trees can grow to a height of 80 feet, and they have beautiful and fragrant white flowers.

2025年3月21日 · Kukui was one of these canoe crops. Hawaiians had many uses for the big seeds, which are borne in large quantities – as many as 75-100 pounds annually – by a large tree. The seed shells, black when mature and white earlier, were made into lei and now into costume jewelry and curios.

Kukui is a very distinctive tree that is easily recognized in Hawaiian forests. Its large, pale-green leaves are of a color like no other tree and they can be recognized from great distances. Kukui are most common in lowland, windward valley bottoms where they tend to form dense groves.