“Kukui” means light or torch, and the English name for our revered kukui nut is actually candlenut. It was brought to Hawai’i by the ancient Hawaiians and was valued for its many uses, including for medicine and healing, dye, canoe-building, and of course, for light. Back then, the wearing of a kukui lei was reserved only for royalty, but today, it is warmly given to show appreciation, and received as a keepsake of a special Hawaii vacation. Mahalo Ho’onui! February is Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Haw