Parts of a Kukui Nut

The Kukui tree is native to Hawaii. Kukui nut oil, when used on skin, maintains the moisture and nourishment needed to prevent drying and early aging. Polynesian immigrants brought the Kukui tree to Hawaii and its benefits rapidly fused with the Hawaiian culture. The tree is Hawaii's national symbol and means "enlightenment" in traditional Hawaiian language. The Hawaiian culture anointed babies with the Kukui nut oil to protect the tender skin of the baby from the tropical weather.

Nut

• The nut of the Kukui tree grows no larger than 2.4 inches. Inside the nut is the seed which contains oil. Kukui oil has many uses, from medicinal to scenting candle wax. Extraction of the oil begins with heating the nut for easier opening. Inside the nut is flesh cradling a seed. The Kukui oil comes from the seed inside the nut. Indonesian and Malaysian recipes use Kukui nuts in sauces.

Seed

• A tiki torch using Kukui oil burns for as long as 45 minutes.

  The seed inside the Kukui nut contains 50 percent oil. Mixing the oil with candle wax for easy lighting and burning is a Polynesian tradition. Roasting of the Kukui nut first occurred in Hawaii after the Kukui tree came to the islands from Polynesia. To extract the oil from the seed, Hawaiians use a press. When pressing, the seed oil separates from the remnants. Uses of Kukui oil include waterproofing wooden bowls, a base for charcoal paint and to light torches.

Oil

• Use of Kukui nut oil is a cultural tradition for Hawaiians.

  Hawaiians used Kukui nut oil traditionally as a skin treatment. The oil moisturizes the skin and soothes it from exposure to the harsh tropical elements. The oil is included in soaps, body butters and lotions. Since Kukui in Hawaiian means enlightenment, use of the oil as a healing element is more than tactile. Traditional Hawaiians promote the use of Kukui nut oil as a natural healer of body and spirit.

Allergy

• Nut allergies is a common condition.

  People who are allergic to nuts cannot enjoy the benefits of Kukui nut oil. For hundreds of years, people have used Kukui nut oil without issue, but with the increase in numbers of people with nut allergies, check with your doctor before using; an allergic reaction could be fatal to those with nut allergies. The most common use of Kukui oil is for skin irritations.