About Koa Wood

In the Hawaiian language "koa" means "bold, brave, fearless, warrior-like". These were essential qualities of the ocean-going vessels that Hawaiians of old fashioned out of solid Koa logs. Trees with long clear boles-called "Canoe trees" by native Hawaiians are now rare, but still found in forest gaps created by fallen trees. Early Hawaiians also made surfboards, calabashes and posts for grass houses from these magnificent trees. At one time Hawaiian Koa was held in such reverence that it could be owned and enjoyed only by Hawaii's Royalty.

We specialize in solid Koa moldings that are manufactured here in Hawaii. Solid Koa molding is, as the name implies, a solid piece of Koa wood that is shaped to a given profile. Whereas veneer Koa molding is a thin layer of Koa wood that is applied over a less expensive, shaped substrata. This helps reduce the cost and "stretches" the supply of Koa available for moldings. At Success Hawaii, we choose to frame our items in solid Koa, unless a customer requests veneer.

Please keep in mind that wood is a natural product. Color and grain will vary from the samples shown and from frame to frame. Of all the woods, Koa varies the most in appearance. It is a unique wood with grain that varies from a golden oak to reddish brown to dark brown with streaks of darker browns and black.

Koa is found growing throughout the state but the majority of the trees grow on the slopes of Maui and the big island of Hawaii. Although opinions vary as to why, the harvesting of Koa is now controlled with many of the old growth trees protected. Most of the commercial grade Koa is taken from Hawaii ("The Big Island" of Hawaii.) Because Koa grows in areas that were once lava fields, it is thought that that is the reason for it’s beautiful golden reddish color.

Koa is a medium density hardwood similar to walnut. It is sometimes referred to as "Hawaiian mahogany". Color varies from pale blond to deep chocolate brown and the wood tends to take on a three-dimensional quality when rubbed with oil. Koa is a very difficult lumber to work with as it burns easily and has a tendency to tear-out with even the sharpest of carbide blades. This adds to the expense of items made from koa, as more hand sanding is required.

Please keep in mind that wood is a natural product and color and grain will vary from the samples shown and from frame to frame. Of all the woods, Koa varies the most in appearance. It is a unique wood that can vary from a light oak appearance to dark brown with streaks of darker browns and black. Or any combination thereof. When finished, the wood is highly lustrous, with beautiful hues of gold, red, and brown.