The beauty of Koa
Acacia Koa is the best known of the endemic Hawaiian woods and is found on all the major islands.
It is the largest native Hawaiian tree attaining heights of 50 - 80ft with a canopy spread of 20-40ft and a trunk diameter of 10 to 25 feet. Koa can typically be found at elevations of 330 - 7500 ft.
Early Hawaiians used logs to build canoes, spears and paddles, with canoes carved out of a single tree. The leaves and ashes of the Koa tree were also used medicinally, with tannin from Koa bark used as a dye for traditional bark cloth.
Koa is highly valued by luthiers, furniture and crafts people throughout Hawaii and the world for its unique grain, from plain to a truly amazing range of different types of curl that gives the wood an almost 3d appearance. Curly-grained wood is the result of both stress and genetics and highly figured wood typically accounts for less than 5% of all wood harvested.
Koa is also renowned for its depth and range of colour. From the traditional dark chocolate browns, to rich fiery red and orange - even the sapwood is truly gorgeous with an iridescent silver like shimmer.
Native Koa forests provide unique wildlife habitat, critical watershed recharge areas and recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, forest clearing for agriculture and cattle have negatively impacted on Hawaii's once extensive Koa forrest.
The beauty, desirability and scarcity of Koa is reflected in its ever increasing price, elevating Koa to one of the worlds most expensive and sought after woods.
It is the largest native Hawaiian tree attaining heights of 50 - 80ft with a canopy spread of 20-40ft and a trunk diameter of 10 to 25 feet. Koa can typically be found at elevations of 330 - 7500 ft.
Early Hawaiians used logs to build canoes, spears and paddles, with canoes carved out of a single tree. The leaves and ashes of the Koa tree were also used medicinally, with tannin from Koa bark used as a dye for traditional bark cloth.
Koa is highly valued by luthiers, furniture and crafts people throughout Hawaii and the world for its unique grain, from plain to a truly amazing range of different types of curl that gives the wood an almost 3d appearance. Curly-grained wood is the result of both stress and genetics and highly figured wood typically accounts for less than 5% of all wood harvested.
Koa is also renowned for its depth and range of colour. From the traditional dark chocolate browns, to rich fiery red and orange - even the sapwood is truly gorgeous with an iridescent silver like shimmer.
Native Koa forests provide unique wildlife habitat, critical watershed recharge areas and recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, forest clearing for agriculture and cattle have negatively impacted on Hawaii's once extensive Koa forrest.
The beauty, desirability and scarcity of Koa is reflected in its ever increasing price, elevating Koa to one of the worlds most expensive and sought after woods.
