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About Koa
Koa is magical! Hold a piece of very "curly" Koa in the light and become lost in the shimmers of gold and 3D effects of this amazing medium of Nature’s art.
The "curl" is an area where extreme pressure was exerted against the tree as it grew. The more pressure the deeper the ripples, sometimes appearing as canyons in the grain of a perfectly flat surface. Trees that grew in harsher environments, such as high winds or against immovable obstacles, were forced to bend and push against the pressure. The more pressure, the more beautiful the wood.
As you admire the design in handcrafted Koa work, you can’t help but wonder whatforces brought about such uniquely beautiful designs.
Besides the external pressures, Koa is also influenced by the nutrients and the chemistry of its environment. Different soils will produce different colors or streaks of colors running through the grain. Colors can range from dark chocolate to blond. Streaks and flares can be red, green, pink, black and all shades of brown contrasting with the surrounding wood color.
Koa is unique or endemic to the Hawaiian islands, but is of the acacia family which grows all over the world. The first references to acacia were from thorny bushes in Egpyt. The Biblical Ark of the Covenant was recorded as being constructed of acacia.
Koa trees typically grow straight and tall which made them a perfect choice for the warrior canoes of ancient Hawaii. At that time, it is said that only the Ali’i, or Royalty, were allowed to own Koa or anything made of Koa. The trees themselves were named Koa, or ‘Warrior’, by the Hawaiians. In Hawaii today, Koa is highly prized by all Hawaiians and those who have been fortunate enough to make Hawaii their home. Koa is considered by many to retain the mana or ‘essence’ of Hawaii. Once you have been mesmerized by Koa’s rare exotic beauty and recall its origin in the aina, or Land, you may tend to agree... Koa is Hawaii.
A portion of all Ki’s profits goes to Koa protection and reforestation to help ensure koa forests for our kid’s kids.
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Finished Koa tabletop
Uncarved Koa
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