What is Koa Wood?

Koa is a tree. The botanical name of this tree is Acacia Koa. It's a highly valued rare tree, endemic to Hawaii; grows nowhere else in the world. Its natural life cycle is about 80 to 150 years. It can reach heights of up to 100 feet with diameters as large as 5 and 6 feet wide.

But Koa isn’t just any tree, but rather a special, highly unique, rare and sought after tree. It produces incredibly beautiful lumber. Historically, Koa is one of Hawaii’s most honored heritage. It is highly revered and sacred to the people of Hawaii and woodworkers around the world.

The tree's canopy can spread to 40 feet or more and bloom light yellow, cream, or white round powder puff flowers. Hawaiian elevations that best suit the Koa trees’ growth are between 2000 and 6000 feet above sea level.

Koa wood is known for its deep rich colors and varied grain patterns. Old-growth trees contain the most figured lumber. The grain is interlocked, which often causes curly figuring.