Kukui

The Kukui is also known as the Candlenut tree. Recognized for its multi-purposefulness, symbolism and significance in Hawaiian folklore, it wais native to Malaysia and Indonesia. s designated as the state tree of Hawai`i in 1959. Legend says that the kino lau (body form) of the pig god, Kama-pua`a was the Kukui. Other names of the tree include: Lama (Samoa), Tuitui (Samoa, Tonga), Kurup (Papa New guinea), Shi li (China), Lumbang (Philippines), Kukui nattsu (Japan), Nogueira de Iguape (Brazil) and Ma yao (Thailand).

A Kukui tree can grow up to 90' tall and has a deep tap root. It is easily identifiable by its pale green canopy. The silvery-white tiny hairs that cover the leaves give it a distinct sheen. The bark of the tree becomes rough as it matures. Kukui leaves look like maple leaves and are angularly pointed or lobed. Sometimes they grow narrowly ovate as long as 8" with long petioles. Kukui flowers grow in small white clusters at the end of the branches. The light green fruit has a yellowish tinge due to the fine hairs on the thick outside of the nut. It is about 2" round and grows at the end of a short stem. Within the fruit is the Kukui nut.

Kukui grow in well-drained, moist areas and can be seen in the lower mountain zones.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• The wood of the Kukui was used in making canoes
• The nuts contain oil which was used as fuel for candles and torches
• Medicinally, it was used to treat dry skin conditions and in wound care
• Different parts of the tree were used to make different color dyes for cordage and kapa
• The sap was commonly used to treat infections in the mouth
• Dried Kukui nuts were used in making lei and toy spinning tops
• Precaution: all parts of the Kukui are toxic and should be used in a controlled manner

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Note: On November 6, 2019, a Kukui was planted by faculty and students of at the mauka end of Brogan Hall to celebrate the new permanent home of Chaminade University's Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology degree program at the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University. (ref. "Putting Down 'Roots': PsyD Program is Here to Stay" - Kalaepohaku newsletter, vol. 70)