The Diamond Head Kukui Tree Grove

So, okay, it’s just a tree grove you say… Ah, but, this spot that is located in the Diamond Head Crater, near the comfort stations is special to many locals and members of Buddhist Soka Gakkai International. This kukui tree grove was planted by Daisaku Ikeda, President of the SGI in 1985. The SGI group also dedicated the Le’ahi Millenium Peace Garden near the entrance of the Diamond Head Crater/​Diamond Head State Monument.
The kukui (aleurites moluccanes) or candlenut tree was selected to honor the SGI’s presence and contributions to Hawai’i’. It is Hawai’i’s State Tree and symbolizes Light and Life. From ancient times to present, the kukui have had a multitude of uses. In ancient Hawai’i, kukui nuts were pounded for its oil and used to lamp oil, hence the name candle nut. They have been ground to produce a Hawaiian condiment, ‘Inamona. ‘Inamona is a key ingredient to traditional Hawaiian poke. The tree trunks were often used to make small canoes. Most people today only recognize kukui nuts as lei.
Go ahead, walk into the crater to sit under the shade of these kukui trees. Meditate in peace and quietly appreciate the symbolism of these life-​giving trees.
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This is a tiny tree grove right before you start the paved part of the hike up to Diamond Head. It’s nothing special but a nice place to check out trees and meditate before you start the short but somewhat tough hike up to the summit.
If you know about trees you’ll probably appreciate this even more than I did.