The Kukui Nut Story
This was an article dug up out of the Disney archives that I thought you would enjoy.
Date: 04/17/2004
Since 1959, the Candlenut tree, known more commonly as “kukui”, has been the state tree of Hawai’i. It was selected because of its many incredible uses and the distinct beauty of the silvery-green foliage. It is often mentioned in Hawai’ian literature and is a cherished and valued tree found flourishing on the islands in Polynesia.
The kukui nut was used as medicine, dye, moisturizing cream, body oil and lotion, shampoo, food and light. The oil of the nut, being very high in essential oils, is excellent for the treatment of superficial burns, chapped skin and some minor diseases. A tradition for new born babies was to be bathed in this easily absorbed oil. The leaves of the kukui tree were used as poultice for swelling and infections.
The nut was also used for entertainment and adornment. Keikis (children) would make a top called a “Hu” out of the nut by putting a small bamboo stick through the hole. The one that spun the longest was the winner. The green outer covering of the nut and the root yielded a black dye that was used in making patterns on the kapa, or tapa, cloth made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree. The bark of the kukui tree produced a red dye also used for kapa cloth. The kukui flowers, leaves and nuts are used in making leis. In fact, it is the favored and cherished lei of the island of Moloka’i. Today, the kukui nut is still used in lei making, and various types of jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and hair accessories. They of course look great with anything, but are most appropriate and suitable when wearing Aloha attire.
A spice called “‘ina mona” is also made from the kernel of the kukui nut. This white, oily kernel was roasted, mashed and mixed with salt and chili peppers creating this relish spice. Hawai’ian fisherman would chew these kernels and then blow the pieces out to sea. The oil of the kernels would make the waters calm and clear so they could see the fish below. They would do this as they paddled in their canoes made from the trunk of the kukui tree. This oil was also used in polishing and waterproofing wooden bowls, and was put on the runners of the wooden holua sleds to make the sled go faster.
Hawai’ians would also use the kukui nut for light because of the oil. Torches made from placing nuts in a hollow piece of bamboo or in leaves on top of a pole were used to light pathways and homes. Candles or “kalikukui” were made by stringing the nuts on coconut midribs or slivers of bamboo. The keikis (children) were responsible for turning the candle so the next nut would light. Each kernel would burn for two to three minutes.
An old Hawai’ian belief was that a person should not plant a kukui tree near his house, but it was all right for a stranger to plant it for him. That stranger could plant it in the back of the house or “hale” but not in the front.
At Disney’s Polynesian Resort, our kukui tree is located behind the Great Ceremonial House and in accordance with this legend, was planted by a hotel guest. The leadership team also wears a lei of black kukui nuts symbolizing our privilege and responsibility of lighting the way for our cast members in sharing the magic of Polynesia and the spirit of aloha with our guests and lifelong friends. It was planted on April 25, 1997.
