The fruit of the Kukui is about 2-inches in diameter. The outer part of the fruit is a hard green covering about 1/4- inch thick when immature and as it matures it turns a dark grayish-black and softens. This portion of the fruit decays rapidly after it falls to the ground. Enclosed within are one or two hard, stone like, wrinkled nuts. When young the shell of the nut is whitish, but as it matures it turns brown, then black.

In 1959 the Kukui nut tree became the official state tree of Hawaii. Botanically it is classified aleurites moluccana. Since scientists have found traces of Kukui pollen in ancient geological deposits, it may be assumed that the Kukui nut tree is indigenous to Hawaii. T
Hundreds of years ago Hawaiians discovered that when the shells were removed from Kukui nuts and the kernels lightly roasted a clear oil could be pressed out. This was an excellent penetrating oil that when smoothed on the skin soothed and softened sunburns and irritations. New born babies were bathed in this easily absorbed oil.
 All vegetable oils are not created equal! Kukui nut oil contains very high levels of the essential fatty acids linoleic and alpha-linolenic.

Of all the Hawaiian trees, the Kukui has the lightest colored foliage. Silver-greyish powder on its leaves make it quite conspicuous in the forest and it is easily spotted. Trees grow on the lower slopes of the mountains, mostly in gulches. When cramped in narrow gulches, the trunks grow straight upwards attaining heights of 80 feet or more, with diameters of about 2 1/2 feet.
Trees branch 30 feet or more above the ground and at the end of the branches small greenish-tinged white flowers bloom. These flowers, along with the trees distinctive leaves, are often seen entwined in leis.