Koa
Koa (Acacia koa) is Hawaiʻi’s premier native hardwood, revered for its curly grain and historical significance in Hawaiian culture. Endemic to the islands, it grows in mid- to high-elevation forests on Hawaiʻi Island.
Koa’s rich, dark tone and distinctive figure have made it a prized wood for furniture, musical instruments, and fine woodworking. Conservation and reforestation efforts are ongoing, as past overharvest and land-use changes reduced old-growth stands. While some private ranches and landowners manage Koa stands for selective logging, state and federal protections limit harvest on public land, focusing on sustainable forestry practices. Koa commands premium prices, with local mills and craftspeople transforming salvaged or plantation-grown logs into high-value products. The cultural importance of Koa, combined with strong market demand, ensures ongoing interest in responsible cultivation and management.