Is Koa wood protected?

Koa has never been on any endangered list

endangered list

An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching and invasive species.

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. In fact, today there is more Koa growing on the Big Island than in the past ten years.

Are koa trees protected?

The koa tree is not listed as a federally protected endangered plant species.

Is Koa wood sustainable?

All koa wood from the Big Island is now harvested from dead and fallen trees, making it a sustainable material.

Can you cut down koa trees?

Koa is far from endangered, but DOFAW controls any cutting on state land, which is limited to careful pruning and thinning of fallen, dead or dying trees, Smith says. “You need a permit to cut koa, and it needs to be done in a manner prescribed by DOFAW so it protects the forests.

How much is a koa tree worth?

A koa tree—prized for its use in hand-crafted furniture—can be worth upwards of $50,000 in today's market. In theory, you could score $2,500 from a single tree.

What is Koa Wood?!?!

Is Hawaiian koa endangered?

Concerned people sometimes ask, “Is Koa wood endangered, or even extinct?” The answer is a resounding “NO.” Koa wood is not and has never been on any endangered species list. There is more Koa growing in the Hawaiian Islands today compared to ten years ago. Koa wood is endemic to Hawaii.

What is so special about Koa wood?

The Wood Grain Pattern Is Exceptional

Koa wood is arguably one of the most beautiful woods in the world. It is special in its own right because of its unique figuring, colors, and textures. All of which is influenced and determined by the age of the tree, its elevation and soil in which it grows.

What is special about Koa wood?

Koa Wood is legendary in Hawaii. Not only is this amazing wood native to Hawaii but it is known for the deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. Koa has honored heritage in Hawaii and is highly revered and sacred. Koa in battle.

Is Koa wood native to Hawaii?

About this species: The Koa tree is endemic to Hawai'i and can be found on all the main islands except Kaho'olawe and Ni'ihau. Koa is the largest native tree species in the Hawaiian islands, reaching heights of approximately 115 feet.

Can koa trees grow in California?

I am one of three people that I know of in Sonoma County, California (USDA zone 9, Sunset Zones 14 and 15) who are successfully growing dozens of Acacia Koa trees outdoors year round in the ground! Our lowest lows are between 18 and 22 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long does it take to grow a koa tree?

Koa are fast growing trees at 5 feet per year for the first five years, and can reach impressive heights in several decades in upper elevation landscapes. [16] Though koa can grow at lower elevations, some varieties may succumb to diseases after a decade of growth.

How long does a koa tree live?

and may only live 5 to 20 years. Koa trees produce a nice, umbrella-like canopy that can be up to 40 feet (12 m.) across. They grow best at elevations of 2,000 feet (610 m.)

How do I identify koa wood?

You can identify Koa by examining three primary attributes; color, grain, and origin. Koa is generally reddish gold to dark brown in color. Its acute interlocking wood grain produces a highly curly or figured appearance. Its origin is always Hawaii.

What did ancient Hawaiians make using koa?

Uses of Hawaiian koa

As we have already mentioned, the ancient Hawaiians took the trunk of the Koa to build a canoe. Then koa was used to make surfboards. Until now, koa wood species is widely used in carpentry on the islands of Hawaii.

How do you care for Koa wood?

It requires periodic dusting, oiling with furniture oil, and finishing with some form of polish or wood sealant. If you want to protect your investment and ensure that your Koa furniture and/or art piece last for generations, caring for your Hawaiian art will be of the utmost importance.

Is Koa wood a hardwood?

Koa is a hardwood and has high crush resistance and shock absorbance. It is often compared to walnut, however, it weighs about 25% more and its interlocking grain makes for an exceptional figure. It's thin, light-colored sapwood surrounds the hardwood that woodworkers describe as lustrous, swirled marble.

Is Koa wood rare?

Koa trees grow on the Hawaiian Islands at elevations of 2,000-7,000 feet. Needless to say, that makes koa trees pretty rare. To avoid excessive harvesting, the Hawaiian government has made strict rules about who can harvest the wood and how much can be sold in a year.

Is Koa wood the same as acacia?

The first thing to know is that acacia wood and koa wood are very similar. In fact, acacia is in the same family as koa and sometimes when shopping for an acacia wood ukulele, you will see it called “koa acacia.” There are about 1300 different kinds of acacia wood!

What wood is similar to koa?

Koa is more expensive than Australian blackwood, which is typically considered a lower-cost alternative to Hawaiian koa. A domestic species, locust, is similar in characteristics to the koa and Australian black acacia tree and is sometimes referred to as false acacia, but don't confuse it with authentic acacia.

Is Koa wood dense?

Density. Koa has a density of 37 pounds per cubic foot at 6 percent MC. This means that a board foot will weigh about 3 pounds. This density is similar to many other U.S. hardwoods and a little below hard maple.

Is Koa wood good for guitars?

Lightweight, rigid, yet bendable, Koa is a great material for guitar manufacturers to work with. When paired with the right soundboard, it also has a wonderful tonal quality.

Do koa trees lose their leaves?

A standout tree, koa radiates a silver-green hue off its sickle-shaped leaves. However, these are not true leaves. Instead, Koa produces pinnately compound leaves as a juvenile, which are shed with age, and their stem (phyllodes) flattens out.

What does koa wood smell like?

Warm Hawaiian Koa wood and white cedar mixed with island passion fruit, juicy pineapple, and sweet coconut, complimented with pure amber and musk.