TL;DR: Learn about koa, the largest endemic tree in Hawaiʻi! Whether it’s for the noble status that was associated with it, the various enriching tools crafted from its wood, or the importance of koa in the natural Hawaiian ecosystem, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most prolific trees in Hawaiian culture. From spiritual significance to environmental enrichment, explore the cultural and historical importance for koa wood.
Significance of Koa
Koa, meaning “warrior” in Hawaiian, is an endemic tree species only found in Hawaiʻi, but it’s enjoyed around the world. Historically, it’s an emblem of wealth, bravery, honor, and nobility often associated with aliʻi (chiefs) and traditionally used to symbolize one’s status. Koa was revered as sacred, due to the belief that the wood was capable of carrying the mana, or energy, of the land it was grown on. This made it incredibly important for ancient Hawaiian craftsmanship, as the material itself was valued and could be used to craft artifacts with religious importance.
In a way, the ancient Hawaiians weren’t wrong about koa trees being able to host the mana of the surrounding land as they are classified as nitrogen-fixing plants. These are plants that are able to take nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into usable nitrates to enrich the surrounding soil. This eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and results in naturally healthy forests as not only does koa benefit from the process, but other trees and plants around them do as well.
Koa is not only important for native forests to thrive, but it’s also a staple when it comes to hosting various native Hawaiian species. The presence of koa is able to contribute to the natural habitat of a diverse number of Hawaiian insects, plants, and animals. Notably, koa forests on the island of Hawaiʻi host arguably one of the most famous species of endangered endemic Hawaiian birds, the ʻakiapōlā‘au (Hemignathus wilsoni), a type of Hawaiian honeycreeper which is also referred to as the Hawaiian woodpecker or the Swiss-army knife bird. These birds are best known for their unique beaks and the fact that they are the only bird species in Hawaiʻi to be classified as woodpeckers.
Historical Uses for Koa
Canoes (waʻa)
One of the most notable uses for koa wood is canoe crafting. Koa wood is incredibly hardy and dense, the perfect material for canoes, regardless of function. Due to the hardness and density of the wood, vessels crafted from koa were able to easily withstand the many hazards of seafaring, and the use of the wood expanded into fashioning paddles and even surfboards. Canoes were the most prolific mode of transportation for ancient Hawaiians since they were used for a variety of purposes that ranged from fishing to explorative voyages.
Tools & Weapons
Koa wood was incredibly important when it came to creating various tools and weapons since the hard wood was capable of withstanding a lot of stress. It was used in creating spear handles and clubs, but it was also used for crafting various tools. One such example is the koʻi (adze), an axe which was fashioned by fastening basalt to a wooden handle. There was also the ʻōʻō, or “digging stick,” which was a long, sharpened branch used by Hawaiian farmers for displacing rocks, breaking apart hard materials, or creating holes for plants or posts.
Instruments
Due to the unique density and properties of koa wood, instruments made out of it have a distinctive sound. Generally, these instruments will sound a lot heavier and richer than ones crafted with lower quality timber. This made it the perfect building material for the ukulele and pahu (drum) which are both instruments relying on having strong acoustic sounds. The power of these instruments was essential in creating the energy and intensity required for traditional Hawaiian chants, music, and dance.
🖐️ Five Fun Facts About Koa
- Koa develops phyllodes (sickle shaped structures) instead of “leaves” as it matures.
- Koa is found on all major Hawaiian islands except for Kahoʻolawe and Niʻihau.
- It thrives the best in open, sunny areas since it’s capable of using large amounts of energy from sunlight.
- Wood from the koa tree is one of the most expensive wood types in the world.
- It is the largest native Hawaiian tree, growing up to 115 feet.
Shop Koa Products on hawaiiverse.com
- Koa Wood Double Helix Earrings
- Koa Wood & Sterling Silver Honu Turtle Pendant with Imperial Jasper
- 5" Handmade Koa Wood Spiral Mini Notebook - Honu on the Beach
- Hibiscus Stud earrings
- Koa Wood Veneer Handmade Postcard - Plumeria
Written By: Kaitlyn Grogg
References:
- https://konacloudforest.com/blog/the-significance-of-koa-wood-to-the-ancient-hawaiians/
- https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/plants/koa/
- https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/info/big-tree/koa/
- https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_acko.pdf
- https://www.nps.gov/hale/learn/historyculture/hawaiian-tools.htm
