About Tropical Hardwoods
Hawaii
is a unique ecosystem and according to The
Bishop Museum in Honolulu, home to hundreds of endangered species.
Bishop Museum even refers to Hawaii as the “Endangered Species Capital
of the World”. One of the reasons this is true is that Hawaii is
the most isolated landmass on earth and has evolved many species unique
to these islands. One of the very unique plants of Hawaii is the magnificent
Koa tree. Koa played a very important part in Hawaiian culture. The massive
straight trees were the source of logs carved into voyaging canoes that
became the Polynesian fleet navigating
the Pacific a thousand years before Columbus discovered the new world.
The wood was prized for paddles, construction, bowls, weapons and musical
instruments. When it comes to tropical hardwoods, Koa is one of the most
magnificent and is often referred to as the king of the forest.
When the western world discovered this magnificent wood they applied western methods of harvesting, clearing 90% of the original forest. This resource was all but eliminated from lower elevations and the genetic diversity that once existed has been lost. The history and beauty of Koa is what started us on the path to forming Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods. These incredible trees belong to all generations. Although Koa is unique to Hawaii, many other tropical hardwoods are endangered in their natural ranges. There are over 50 species of rare and valuable tropical hardwoods that will grow in Hawaii. With Hawaii’s isolation many of the species that are threatened in their original habitat can find refuge in the fertile soil of this very special corner of the United States.
We are evaluating a wide variety of growing sites on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii is renowned for its microclimates. With the consistent trade winds dividing the islands into windward and leeward sides you have tremendous ranges of rainfall to select from. As home to the largest mountains on earth from seafloor to summit, you have a tremendous range of elevations to choose from. With land ranging from millions of years old with deep soil to land forming today, you have a wide range of soil types within a short drive from each other. Hawaii is the perfect refuge to both preserve this heritage and cultivate a sustainable source for the dwindling treasure of tropical hardwoods.
