The kukui, or candlenut tree, was adopted as Hawaii’s state tree on May 1, 1959. Below is a portion of the state tree resolution.
WHEREAS, the kukui tree is a tree native to all the islands of Hawaii and
WHEREAS, the multiplicity of its uses to the ancient Hawaiians for light, fuel, medicine, dye and ornament and its continued value to the people of modern Hawaii, as well as the distinctive beauty of its light green foliage which embellishes many of the slopes of our beloved mountains, causes the kukui tree to be especially treasured by the people of the Fiftieth State of the United States as an arboreal symbol of Hawaii nei; . . .
The kukui thrives in moist tropical regions. It is native to Polynesia and South Seas Islands, Malaysia, the Malay Peninsula, and the Philippines. Some people claim Polynesian seafarers introduced it into Hawaii. It has also been widely introduced in areas with similar growing conditions, including the Gulf Coast of the United States.
Appearance
Because the kukui has the lightest foliage of all Hawaiian trees, it is very easy to see from a distance. Kukui trunks are often twisted and sprawling on the ground. But the trees may grow straight upward to heights of more than eighty feet when cramped in narrow gorges.
The trees branch thirty feet or more above the ground. Small white flowers tinged with green blossom at the end of the branches. The flowers are often used in leis. Leis made from polished kukui nuts are also highly prized.
The nuts are smaller than walnuts and are very oily. They are slightly poisonous when raw. However, they are safe to eat after they have been roasted. Oil from kukui nuts is used in varnish and paint oil, as a wood preservative, for soap making, waterproofing paper, rubber substitutes, and insulating material.
A Popular Hawaiian
Native Hawaiians once used the oil to light stone lamps. From the nuts, bark, and roots they produced a black dye for tattooing and painting war canoes. Canoes and fish net floats were made from the soft wood. Kukui trees also furnished a variety of medicines. The seeds were strung up on coconut or palm leaf midribs and used as candles. This may be how it got the name “candlenut tree.”
Is it any wonder the kukui often appears in Hawaiian legend and literature? The kukui blossom is also the symbol of the island Molokai.
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