The Kukui Nut Tree

The Kukui Nut Tree, also known as the candlenut tree, is the Hawaiian State Tree and can be found at the Keanae Arboretum.  Kukui nut oil can be used as a light source when burned in a lamp, and about twelve kukui nuts can provide an hours worth of light.  Before petroleun became available in Hawaii, kukui nut oil was regularly used in this fashion.  Today, kukui nuts are polished and made into shiny black lei, then given to graduates as a symbol of the enlightenment brought by new knowledge. Hana Picnic Co has directions!