Woods of Hawaii
Koa (acacia koa)
Koa is the largest of all native trees and is found only in Hawaii. Its immense size and strength made it the Hawaiian’s first choice for the hulls of their outrigger canoes.
Still common today over much of its native range, centuries of grazing and on-going development have compromised its ability to reproduce.
The Koa that I use in my work today is salvaged from stumps which remain after logging operators have removed the valuable trunks.
By providing several different crafters with my products, I ensure that even the smallest pieces are utilized. Although difficult to work, Koa is treasured for the unmatched beauty of its color and grain.
Milo (thespesia populnea)
Milo is a beautiful shade tree of the coastline.
Common throughout Polynesia, it was traditionally valued for its stability, workability, and contrast between the rich dark heartwood and lighter sap wood.
Milo is one of my personal favorites and has actually become increasingly more available due to the increase in shoreline development.
Kou (cordia subcordata)
Historically all Hawaiian food and storage containers were made from the wood of the Kou tree. Similar in appearance to Milo, it too is a beautiful shade tree of the coastline. Once common throughout Hawaii, it was virtually wiped out in the late 1850’s by an introduced insect.
Although extensively replanted, the large trees of old are extremely rare. Several years ago, I was able to purchase two very large, 80 year-old trees which had become a liability for the owner.
Kamani (calophyllum inophyllum)
Seeds of the Kamani tree were believed to have been brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian colonizers. Like Milo and Kou, it too is a beautiful shade tree of the coastline. The seeds, leaves, gum, and bark possess medicinal properties and the beautiful red wood was used for vessels and platters.
It is not nearly as common as milo but does become available from time to time. It does tend to warp during drying but polishes to a beautiful sheen and is cherished for its attractive grain.
Mulang (Michelin champaca)
This tree is a native of the Himalayas and is sometimes called Orange Champak.
It is esteemed by Hindus and Buddhists and often planted on temple grounds for its fragrant flowers.
The yellow/gold heartwood is used for carved statuary, buildings, and furniture. It is very sable and machines well.
I acquired several large pieces of a gigantic 100 year-old tree which was threatening a church. The wood is very fragrant and while working with it, my entire shop smells like a perfume factory.
Coconut (cocos nucifera)
Coconut is not wood in the traditional sense. However, the bottom several feet of large, coconut trees were used in the carving of the hula drum (pahu).
Consisting of extremely hard reddish fibers in a softer, almost corky matrix, it presents unique challenges while carving.
Cuban Mahogany (swietenia mahogoni)
Known as the Wood of Kings, it has been one of the most prized and valuable timbers since its discovery by the Spanish in the late 1500’s.
Ravaged by uncontrolled logging and insect infestation, it was
commercially extinct by the late 1800’s. It’s considered to be the pinnacle of stability, beauty, strength, and durability, since no other wood of the world combines all of these features.
I was fortunate to acquire a large portion of a tree planted in Manoa on the island of Oahu in the 1920’s. It had become so large by the 1990’s that it threatened the home it was near and was removed. To date, it was the most incredible piece of wood I’ve worked.
Keawe (prosopis pallida)
Keawe is known also as algaroba and mesquite. It is an introduced tree, which in Hawaii grows in very dry habitats often close to the coast.
The wood is reddish brown, very hard, heavy, and durable. It is very
stable and works well, though because of its hardness it can be difficult to sand. Predominately used today for fence posts and fuel wood. It is also made into beautiful carvings and furniture.
Mango (mangifera indica)
The wood of the mango tree is an attractive yellow color with the occasional orange, pink, or green streaks. It can sometimes develop salting which is irregular, dark patterns caused by fungus and often has “curly” grain. Very stable and relatively soft, it is easily worked and polishes well.
Ohia (metrosideros polymorpha)
Ohia is the most common and abundant tree of the Hawaiian forest. Found only in Hawaii, close relatives are found as far away as New Zealand.
It is a pioneer species and is frequently the first tree to sprout on fresh lava. The wood is brown to reddish brown, fine grained, hard, and heavy.
Prone to rather significant shrinkage during drying, it is used today for flooring, furniture, architectural posts, and fire wood.
Hau (hibiscus tilliaceus)
Hau was probably introduced to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers. Its wood was highly valued for canoe parts, fish net floats, adz handles, and the bark was used for cordage. Amazing light, yet incredibly strong, the wood of the Hau possesses properties which make it unique in the plant kingdom.
I found it to be very stable and delightfully workable, yet somewhat limited in its applications by its softness.