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All About
Koa Wood
Recently, the State of Hawaii has issued restrictions on the harvesting of these trees as reforestation projects continue to be implemented. Though limited in its abundance, koa is even more desirable in Hawaii for upscale furniture, woodwork, ukulele, ceremonial bowls and more. Today, more than ever, Koa continues to be a widely recognized symbol of prestige and coloring.
Koa is part of the Acacia family of trees and is recognized as one of the finest
textured woods in the world. This native of Hawaii is truly a monarch of the
forest, growing to heights of 100 feet. The best Koa (Acacia koa) can be found
specifically on higher elevations of the Big Island and take 50 to 70 years to
mature.
Different parts of the island yields a distinctive hue
to the color of the wood. Currently the wood we use at Hawaiian Accessories is
from Honakaa which has a dark red look. We also purchase wood from Hoonaunau in
Kona which has an orange-brown color and wood harvested in Volcano, in the Puna
district which has a lighter brown coloring.
In ancient Hawaii,
Koa wood was harvested exclusively for the alii class or royalty. The huge logs
were crafted into sculpted images of gods, personal containers and canoes for
royalty. It is said that when the early Hawaiians wished to choose a Koa tree
for a canoe, they found one which the elepaio bird had not been
pecking.
By the turn of the century, koa was called the Hawaiian
Mahogany and used extensively by the upper class and government buildings for
furniture, staircases and other woodworks. Beautiful examples are still viewed
in such places as the Iolani Palace.
Brand New Items
Clearance Specials
E Komo Mai
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