In ancient Hawaii the silvery glow of the Kukui Nut Tree represented light, hope, and renewal.
It was believed that a Kukui Nut Tree planted in front of the house revealed the owners spirit. Because of its beauty and many uses the Kukui, also known as the Candlenut tree, became the state tree of Hawaii.
Kukui was believed to be one of the kino laus or physical manifestations of Lono, the Hawaiian god of agriculture and fertility. Lono appeared when abundance was ready to be harvested.
In old Hawaii Kukui nut leis were worn by the Ali’I (royalty) to honor the life-giving force of Lono and to show their social status. For them it was like wearing a lei of light providing hope, healing and protection. Hawaiians also used their Kukui seed leis as prayer beads, over time increasing their beauty by filling them with their Mana (spiritual energy).
Kukui nuts were used for light, navigation, medicinal, spiritual and many other purposes. Kukui nut oil provided light for the first Hawaiian torches. The oil was and still is used for massages, moisturizing the skin, and many other healing benefits. Early Hawaiians used Kukui nut candles were to keep track of time.
Kukui symbolizes inner light, hope and renewal, spirit revealing itself. The spiritual significance of the Kukui Nut Tree inspired the creation of Kukui, a Hawaiian Menehune Angel.
Kukui’s Mana (spiritual energy) radiates the power of unconditional Aloha (love). Kukui is a Hawaiian Menehune guardian angel. She is named after the Hawaiian Kukui Nut Tree which represents spirit revealing itself. Kukui’s home is Lanikeha, the high sky. The heavenly light of Kukui’s candle illuminates the paths of the Menehune’s lives on earth. The Menehunes know Kukui always watches over them enlightening their lives with her angelic presence. All they have to do is call and Kukui appears offering her wisdom and guidance. Sometimes she allows them a glance at the healing glow of her heavenly Kukui Nut candle or a glimpse of her angelic white feather wings passing by to remind them how brightly the Aloha spirit is shining from their own souls.
Welcome Kukui as your guardian angel! She is devoted to protecting and guiding you on your life’s journey. Kukui’s yellow Hulu (feather) Haku (head lei) represents spiritual strength, unity and love. A white and yellow Plumeria flower adorns her beautiful long black hair. Kukui wears a beige colored dress with a big yellow and orange Plumeria flower in the front yellow crocheted panties and matching shoes. A sparkling crystal adorns the center of the flower and the tops of her shoes. She is holding a small Kukui nut with a candle in her hands. Her angel wings are crafted out of real white feathers. Kukui is about 3.5” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. The body is made out of stretch cotton. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Kukui has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.
Kukui often rests in the serene Hawaiian Ohia forest, worshipping the beautiful world around her. She never tires of rejoicing in the abundant splendor of nature.
Kukui is a one of a kind display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. She is a collector’s item bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii. Kukui comes with her story and a certificate of authenticity.
The Kukui Nut tree was brought to Hawaii by Polynesians migrating to the Hawaiian Islands. The Kukui was highly revered by ancient Hawaiians for its many uses, and became an essential part of life, providing raw materials for medicine and healing, dye, canoe-building, and most commonly, for light (both literally and spiritually). The word “kukui” means light or torch; its English name is ‘candlenut.’
To serve as a light source, kukui nuts were shelled, then skewered onto a coconut frond and lit from top to bottom. The oil in the kernels provided enough fuel to burn for several minutes. The oil, sap and crushed meat of the nut were also used to soothe mouth sores, skin rashes and acted as a laxative. Other parts of the plant were used to make dyes for tattoos and kapa clothing, and the trunk of the tree was used to build canoes. The Kukui Nut tree was a symbol of enlightenment, protection, guidance and peace, and its spiritual powers are still believed to flow through Hawaiian culture and its ceremonies. In 1959, the Kukui tree itself was made the official tree emblem for the state of Hawai’i.
“The seed was sown. It budded; it blossomed. It spread out and budded again and joined line on line, like the candlenut strung on one stem. ‘Tis lighted. It burns aglow and sheds its light o’er the land.’
Destination Residences Hawaii recently added a graphic symbol of the Kukui leaf as a design element to the company brand because of what it represents to Hawaiian culture — the essence of home, light, renewal and celebration, the very characteristics that draw visitors to our island home, year after year.
Kukui Nut trees are fairly easy to spot. Their canopy of silvery green leaves often glisten in early morning light and offer a shady retreat from the hot mid-day sun.
In ancient Hawaii the silvery glow of the Kukui Nut Tree represented light, hope, and renewal.
In old Hawaii Kukui nut leis were worn by the Ali’I (royalty) to honor the life-giving force of Lono and to show their social status. For them it was like wearing a lei of light providing hope, healing and protection. Hawaiians also used their Kukui seed leis as prayer beads, over time increasing their beauty by filling them with their Mana (spiritual energy).
Kukui nuts were used for light, navigation, medicinal, spiritual and many other purposes. Kukui nut oil provided light for the first Hawaiian torches. The oil was and still is used for massages, moisturizing the skin, and many other healing benefits. Early Hawaiians used Kukui nut candles were to keep track of time.
It was believed that a Kukui Nut Tree planted in front of the house revealed the owners spirit. Because of its beauty and many uses the Kukui, also known as the Candlenut tree, became the state tree of Hawaii.
Kukui symbolizes inner light, hope and renewal, spirit revealing itself. The spiritual significance of the Kukui Nut Tree inspired the creation of Kukui, a Hawaiian Menehune Angel.
The kukui nut is a dark nut with a smooth surface. The royal chiefs of Hawaii once wore leis made from these nuts. The ancient Polynesians brought these nuts to Hawaii, and Hawaiians have prized it since that time for its good looks and its many uses. Leis that use the polished kukui nut have long been symbols of protection and peace. Leis made from kukui nuts last a long time, and they look great on both women and men. Our kukui nut leis will give you the bold look that has been so sought-after and treasured in Hawaii for centuries.
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