Curly Koa
Acacia koa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Wavy and interlocked grain exhibiting strong curly figure or 'tiger stripe' fiddleback; medium to coarse texture with large open pores visible.
Color Description
Golden to reddish-brown heartwood with darker chocolate brown streaks; exhibits high chatoyancy (shimmer) and a natural luster that deepens to a rich amber-orange with age.
Hardness Rating
1,110 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack (borers).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, musical instruments (especially ukuleles and guitars), picture frames, veneer, and turned bowls.
Geographic Origin
Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, USA.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$50.00 - $150.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the curl and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern construction (likely 5-20 years old) based on the crisp miter joints and contemporary semi-gloss film finish.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; however, it is a protected species in Hawaii with harvesting strictly regulated to dead or fallen trees on state lands.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though the figured curly grain creates a high risk of tearout during planing and jointer operations. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Lacks a distinctive scent. Famous for its exceptional chatoyancy and acoustic properties. It is one of the most expensive and sought-after domestic woods in the United States.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss lacquer or polyurethane to enhance depth of figure; oil-based finishes are excellent for 'popping' the chatoyancy before applying a topcoat.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific golden-red hue combined with the distinct fiddleback figure and large pore structure is diagnostic of Hawaiian Koa.