About Koa
Koa
(Acacia koa) is a native Hawaiian tree of exceptional beauty.
It has been all but eliminated from the lower elevations on all of the
Hawaiian Islands. Koa is so variable in its appearance as to defy classification.
It can be everything from red to brown to golden and even ivory. The grain
can be straight, but the most valuable of koa exhibits a curly figure that
creates the illusion that you are looking right through the surface. It
finishes to a rich luster and depth that has made it a treasured resource
for Hawaiian heirloom furniture.
The Hawaiian Islands were once blanketed in koa forests with
the largest trees being sought out for dugout canoes. The wood was so prized
that it was used for virtually everything in contact with the Ali'i (Hawaiian
royalty). The trees reach heights of 100 feet and diameters of 4 feet.
Koa is a nitrogen fixing tree and can often grow in soils too poor in nitrogen
to support other species. This has allowed koa to colonize very thin volcanic
soils preparing the way for other species. Mature trees have very little
sapwood and are primarily high value heartwood. Koa is extensively used
by fine furniture makers in Hawaii, but its exceptional value as a tone
wood has brought it to the attention of musical instrument makers world
wide. Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods is committed to furthering the survival
and availability of this fine wood.
