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Pua Kukui

Hawaii Island Lei Material: Moloka'i

Pua Kukui; blossom of the candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccana) in Honolulu; photo by Wendy Cutler on Flickr (use permitted with attribution).

Island of Moloka'i Official Lei Material

The Hawaiian island of Moloka'i recognizes pua kukui (Aleurites moluccana) as the official island lei material. Pua kukui is the white blossom of the candlenut tree (the fruit of this tree was used for candles by early settlers, hence it's common name). The candlenut tree (Kukui) is also the official state tree of Hawaii. All State Flowers

Official Island Flowers or Lei Material

In addition to the Hawaii state flower, each Hawaiian island designates an official island color and an official island flower or lei material: Hawai'i - red pua lehua ('ohi'a blossom); Maui - lokelani (pink Damask rose); O'ahu - pua 'ilima; Kaua'i - mokihana berry; Moloka'i - Pua Kukui (blossom of candlenut tree); Lana'i - kauna'oa (native dodder); Ni'ihau - pupu (tiny seashells); and Kaho'olawe - hinahina (native beach heliotrope).

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