Curly Koa
Acacia koa · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, USA.
- Hardness
- 1,110 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack (borers).
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Wavy and interlocked grain exhibiting strong curly figure or 'tiger stripe' fiddleback; medium to coarse texture with large open pores visible.
Color & Appearance
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 (Janka)
1,110 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack (borers).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
