Which tree, also called kukui, is the official state tree of Hawaii?

The tree also called kukui and serving as Hawaii’s official state tree is the candlenut, Aleurites moluccanus.

In Hawaii, the tree is commonly called kukui, while candlenut refers to its hard-shelled, oily seeds. The species belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, and can grow to about 30 metres. Its leaves may be simple and heart-shaped on mature branches but often have three, five or seven lobes on young growth.

Kukui was named Hawaii’s state tree on 1 May 1959 because of its many traditional uses. Its oily kernels were strung and burned as candles, giving the tree its English common name. The oil, wood, bark and leaves have also been used in food preparation, crafts and cultural practices, although the raw seeds are not eaten like ordinary snack nuts.

Austronesian voyagers spread candlenut widely across the Pacific as a canoe plant. In Hawaiian symbolism, kukui represents enlightenment, protection and peace, and its silvery-green foliage is associated with Molokai. It is therefore distinct from koa, Hawaii’s famous native hardwood, and from coconut palm.