Not All Wood Products in Hawaii Are Made from Koa

Koa is one of Hawaii’s most treasured natural resources, prized for its rich color, beautiful grain patterns, and deep connection to the islands’ history and culture. Because of its reputation, many visitors assume that any wooden gift item purchased in Hawaii is made from koa. In reality, that is not always the case.

Koa is a premium hardwood that grows only in Hawaii, making it relatively rare and valuable. While Koa is not” endangered” and never has been classified as “endangered,” it is still very limited availability and therefore commands a higher price. All reputable retailers and galleries provide certificates of authenticity for the Koa used to make the item they sell.  This certificate must verify that the wood used making this item is truly acacia koa sourced in Hawaii. 

Be wary of vendors that say, “All acacia wood is koa.” Nothing can be farther from the truth. 

• Acacia is genus of trees.
• Koa is a species. 

 Acacia koa is only found grown in Hawaii. Acacia is grown in other parts of the world. However, wood grown outside Hawaii is not koa.

 If retailers cannot provide you with a certificate of authenticity for their supposed koa items, then they are most likely imposters bought from cheap Asia factories.  As your mother taught, “You get what you pay for.” If a retailer claims they have “cheaper Koa products,” be sure you get a certificate of authenticity verifying exactly where this wood was grown and harvested.

Truly authentic koa is typically reserved for fine furniture, heirloom-quality boxes, musical instruments, jewelry, and specialty gifts sold at reputable galleries like Martin & MacArthur. For over 65 years, the Hawaii craftsmen of Martin & MacArthur have built Koa furniture and home accessories using their private stock of Koa. Martin & MacArthur only uses Koa from previously fallen trees. The Company never cuts down and live Koa trees and never uses Koa from live cut trees.

Products made from genuine koa will always show off the distinctive swirling grain of Hawaii’s most prized wood.

Many lower-priced wooden souvenirs and gift items sold throughout Hawaii are made from other woods, including mango, monkeypod, acacia, bamboo, or imported hardwoods. The cheap products sold at sundries stores are all manufactured outside Hawaii and simply as inexpensive souvenirs. While these items may be attractive and affordable, they should not be mistaken for authentic koa products.

For shoppers seeking genuine koa, it is important to ask questions about the origin of the wood and where the item was crafted. Reputable retailers and artisans are typically transparent about the materials they use and can explain the difference between koa and other woods.  Reputable galleries and retailers provide certificates of authenticity for the source of their koa.

Understanding what you're purchasing helps ensure you receive the quality and authenticity you expect. Whether you choose koa or another beautiful wood species, knowing the story behind the craftsmanship makes any gift more meaningful and memorable.