Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods is committed to furthering the survival and availability of Koa wood.
The Hawaiian Islands were once blanketed in koa forests with the largest trees being sought out for dugout canoes. The wood was so prized that it was used for virtually everything in contact with the Ali'i (Hawaiian royalty). The trees reach heights of 100 feet and diameters of 4 feet. Koa is a nitrogen fixing tree and can often grow in soils too poor in nitrogen to support other species. This has allowed koa to colonize very thin volcanic soils preparing the way for other species. Mature trees have very little sapwood and are primarily high value heartwood. It is extensively used by fine furniture makers in Hawaii, but its exceptional value as a tone wood has brought it to the attention of musical instrument makers world wide.
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