“The right light.” That’s what Kaʻākaukukui means. It may have previously been a maritime navigation landmark. Now, let me tell you about Kahua Kukui and the story of the kukui nut tree. It’s more than just a tree. It’s a symbol of Hawaiian history and culture. The kukui tree is the official state tree of Hawaii.
Historians believe Polynesians brought kukui seeds with them in their canoes. These “canoe plants” became essential to Hawaiian life. The Kahua Kukui, or kukui tree, can grow up to 80 feet tall. Its light-green leaves create a distinctive oval-shaped treetop.
The kukui nut tree at Kahua Kukui played an important role in traditional Hawaiian culture. Hawaiians used oil from the nuts to coat fishing nets. It was also used to illuminate candle pods. The outer shells provided a natural dye for tattoos. Kukui nut oil served as a topical treatment for sore muscles. It soothed burns, chapped skin, and wounds.
Ancient Hawaiians roasted and chopped the white insides of the nuts. This spice called inamona is still a key ingredient in poke. You can find poke at luaus and gatherings in Hawaii. The light-colored nut oil is odorless and easily absorbed. It blends into lotions and creams because it is high in fatty acids. At farmers’ markets, you can find kukui nut oil in soaps, candles, and lotions. People also use it as a hair follicle stimulant. It is used in lomi lomi massages or even as a laxative.
The tree’s other parts have many uses. Ancient Hawaiians used the durable wood to make canoes. They crushed the root to make black paint for canoes or tapa cloths. The leaves treated sore joints, fevers, and headaches. Hawaiians used the sap to heal cold sores, chapped lips, and mouth ulcers.
The kukui nut represents protection, peace, enlightenment, and light. Kamapua’a, the Hawaiian demi-god of fertility, could transform into the kukui nut tree. Then he changed back into his half-hog, half-man form. Kukui nut leis are standard adornments at Hawaiian events. The nuts are sanded, buffed, and polished into dark brown, black, or white finishes. People lace them together with shells and wear them as leis or bracelets. In the past, people used kukui nuts as prayer tokens. Hula dancers, kahunas or priests, and ali’i or royalty often wore them. Couples also exchanged kukui nut bracelets during marriage ceremonies.
The delicate white kukui blossoms are the official flower of Molokai. Bees access these flowers and create kukui honey. It is one of the more unique honey products in Hawaii.
The story of Makali’i is intertwined with Kahua Kukui. Makali’i was a famed fisherman and chief navigator. One day, a shark swallowed his brother. Makali’i chewed kukui nuts and spat the oily mixture on the water. The water became calm and clear. He could see and rescue his brother. The oily kernels were dried and strung together. They were used as candles. Hawaiians burned the oil in stone lamps. The soot of burned nuts provided black dye for tattooing and canoes. The inner bark provides a red-brown dye for kapa cloth. The gum from the bark strengthens the kapa.
Kahua Kukui and the kukui tree embody Hawaiian ingenuity and resourcefulness. The tree is a symbol of enlightenment, protection, and peace. It connects us to the traditions and stories of old Hawaii.