The Hawaiian Kukui Nut Tree, Spirit Revealing Itself

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 Nut Lei

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, the Menehune Baby.

Kukui (Inner Light)

Birth Date: Pepeluali 14, 2016 (02-14-16)

Kukui’s Mana (spiritual energy) reflects the light of the Kukui Nut Tree, offering love, hope, healing and protection. Kukui guides us to reconnect with our spiritual origin, the eternal presence of love within and all around us.

Kukui is named after the Hawaiian Kukui Nut Tree which represents inner light, hope and renewal, spirit revealing itself. Kukui is a Pepe (baby), who just left the spiritual world. Her memory and connection to her origin are very strong. The deep inner knowing that she is always taken care of fills her with trust and love. 
Kukui blooms with Aloha (Love). After all her birthday is Hau'oli (Valentines Day).

Kukui is the Menehune's Keiki Punahele (beloved child). They love her and take turns watching over her at all times. Rejoicing in her sweet innocence, they softly sing a Hawaiian lullaby to her:

He nani lua 'ole

Ku'u wehi o nâ lani

He kilohana 'oe

Na'u e pûlama mau

Hô'olu i ka poli e

Mehana i ke anu e.

I can smile when it's raining

Touch the warmth of the sun

I hear children laughing

In this place that I love

Where I live there are rainbows

With life in the laughter of morning

And birds filled with song

Surrounded by her Ohana’s (family’s) Aloha (love), Kukui lies contently on a big Kukui Nut leaf in her coconut cradle sucking on her thumb.

Kukui's Tutu (grandmother) crocheted her purple pants and matching booties which she adorned with 2 tiny pink crystals. She wove a purple feather lei and fastened 2 Kukui nuts on the ends. The Hulu (feather) lei is believed to link to the divine. The Kukui nuts symbolize light and protection.
Last Tutu put a big Plumeria flower behind Kukui's ear. All these things were Tutu's gifts of Aloha (love) to her beloved Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).

Kukui is about 4” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. The body is made out of stretch cotton and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Kukui has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.

The coconut for Kukui’s cradle was selected from palm trees Punalu’u Black Sands Beach. It is hand carved, sanded, polished, and fit to a custom coconut base.
All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Kukui is a one of a kind collectible display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. She comes with her story and a certificate of authenticity.

Kukui's Mana nourishes and rejuvenates the spirit within.

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