Hawaiian Koa
Acacia koa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly figured with prominent interlocked grain and wavy "curly" or "tiger stripe" fiddleback figure; coarse texture with open pores resulting in significant chatoyancy.
Color Description
Medium golden to reddish brown heartwood with darker streaks; sapwood is distinctively pale yellow. Displays a high natural luster and develops a deeper, richer amber hue with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,170 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding rot resistance, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, musical instruments (especially ukuleles and guitars), boat building, cabinetry, turned objects, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, USA.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 to $100.00+ per board foot depending on the intensity of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh cut or recently surfaced; the lack of deep oxidation and the crispness of the grain suggests it is not an antique reclaimed piece.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List, but highly regulated; supply is limited to dead or fallen trees on state lands, though FSC certified options exist through private plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work, thoughfigured boards frequently cause significant tearout during planing and jointing due to interlocked grain; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Famous for its "3D" chatoyancy (shimmering effect); lacks a distinctive scent but is prized for its resonance in acoustic instruments.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss finishes such as lacquer or polyurethane best highlight the figure; Danish oil or shellac are excellent for a more natural feel that pops the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of golden-brown color, large open pores, and the specific style of "fiddleback" curly figure is characteristic of high-grade Acacia koa.