The price of koa varies as much as any species in the world. Plain koa, without a variance in color or figure can be bought for as little as $15 to $20/bf and, if quartersawn, $20 to $50/bf. Lumber with the premium full curl usually ranges between $80 and $120/bf.

How long do koa trees live?

Koa is the largest native tree in the archipelago, reaching 50-80 ft in height. Mature trees, which can live for over 100 years, have a diameter often measuring more than 3.27 ft.

Are koa trees valuable?

Acacia koa trees are ecologically, economically, and culturally significant to the Hawaiian Islands. Koa wood is one of the most valuable species in the world and sale of koa products represents a majority of all the Hawaiian wood products sold by Hawaiian retailers.

Does koa wood only grow in Hawaii?

There is more Koa growing in the Hawaiian Islands today compared to ten years ago. Koa wood is endemic to Hawaii. But, the species Acacia Koa grows only in Hawaii.

Is koa good for cutting boards?

Yes, Koa wood is food safe. Whether it’s a Koa wood platter or cutting board, it’s understandable to want to actually use these Hawaiian art pieces to show off your latest cheese display or salad creation.

Can I grow a koa tree?

Growing a koa tree should only be attempted where the conditions are right, namely those of Hawaii, its native area. These are beautiful shade trees that do best in their natural habitat but which can be grown to a shorter lifespan and smaller size in Hawaii’s residential areas.

Is Koa wood illegal?

Koa Wood is native to Hawaii and found only in the Hawaiian Islands. Because of the beauty these trees have in their wood they are illegal to cut down now that they have been over harvested. Koa wood can be procured from trees that have fallen on their own but they cannot be harvested.

Can you take koa wood out of Hawaii?

“Out of all of the Hawaiian Islands, koa grows predominantly on the Big Island,” says Chris Allen of Koa Wood Hawaii in Kurtistown, Hawaii. “By state law, you can not cut down live koa trees and there are just not enough of them on Oahu for harvest.

How can you tell real Koa wood?

You can identify Koa by examining three primary attributes; color, grain, and origin. Koa is generally reddish gold to dark brown in color. Its acute interlocking wood grain produces a highly curly or figured appearance. Its origin is always Hawaii.

How tall does an Acacia koa tree grow?

In its natural setting, an Acacia koa tree can grow to over 100 feet (30 m.) tall. In landscaping settings, they generally stay much smaller, closer to 20 to 30 feet (6-9 m.) and may only live 5 to 20 years. Koa trees produce a nice, umbrella-like canopy that can be up to 40 feet (12 m.) across.

Can a koa tree be grown in Hawaii?

Growing a koa tree should only be attempted where the conditions are right, namely those of Hawaii, its native area. These are beautiful shade trees that do best in their natural habitat but which can be grown to a shorter lifespan and smaller size in Hawaii’s residential areas. Where do Acacia koa trees grow?

How long does it take for a koa seed to germinate?

The pods are mature and ready for propagation after turning from green to brown or black. Seeds are covered with a hard seed coat, and this allows them to remain dormant for up to 25 years. Scarification is needed before A. koa seeds will germinate.

What kind of leaves does a koa plant have?

Leaves Initially, bipinnately compound leaves with 12–24 pairs of leaflets grow on the koa plant, much like other members of the pea family. At about 6–9 months of age, however, thick sickle-shaped “leaves” that are not compound begin to grow. These are phyllodes, blades that develop as an expansion of the leaf petiole.