Why is koa wood so expensive

The warriors of King Kamehameha the Great, created canoes and weapons from a wood plentiful on the Big Island of Hawaii. This wood became synonymous with the warriors themselves, and it became known as koa. They were often used for hand-to-hand combat and were highly effective with slashing and ripping the flesh in one cross-body motion, leaving the unfortunate victim eviscerated and an example of the power of the conquering warriors.

Koa for the masses. The first surfboards were made of koa. More importantly, koa was used to make many Hawaiian outrigger canoes for fishing, sailing, and traversing islands. Koa vs. Unfortunately, large tracts of koa forests were eliminated to make way for grazing cattle.

North of Hilo, Hawaii, there is an area nowcalled umikoa, which was once a dense koa forest owned by King Kamehameha the Great. Unfortunately, almost all the koa trees were eliminated for herds of cattle that roamed the region. Additionally, other livestock introduced to Hawaii, including pigs and goats, would graze on young koa seedlings before they had a chance to mature.

Very often, fences used to separate plantations on the Big Island were built from Koa. Koa Continues. In spite of decades of without attention or regard, today koa continues to grow on all Hawaiian Islands, particularly the Big Island.

Koa wood is native to Hawaii and known for its deep rich colors and varied grain patterns. Koa wood is highly sought after because of its beauty and historical background in Hawaiian heritage. Koa trees usually grow at high elevations —7, feet 90 - meters. Koa is typically a large tree with a height of 49—82 feet 15—25 meters and a spread of 20—39 feet 6—12 meters. Koa wood is highly regarded and it is so precious because it can only be found in Hawaii. Its beauty and rarity make koa among the most expensive woods in the world.

Koa played a big role in Hawaiian heritage and so it is regarded as a sacred wood. Many do not know that koa means brave, bold, fearless, or warrior in the Hawaiian language.

How do you finish koa wood? Sand the koa with fine grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Run your bare hand over the surface of the wood. Sand the wood until it feels smooth to the touch. Hallouma Alcalde Pundit. Is padauk wood expensive? Originating from Asia or Africa, padauk wood can be obtained from a wide variety of Pterocarpus species.

Commonly referred to as narra or mukwa, padauk wood is a valuable resource due to its durability, strength, and stability when being worked. Ethelene Lombardero Pundit. What is the most expensive wood in the world? Source: Link. Esther Thirlway Pundit. How long does a koa tree live? Syra Abdon Pundit. Can koa wood rings get wet? The short answer is yes, wooden rings can get wet , but you need to do a couple things to minimize the exposure. First, you can use a very water resistant finish.

Either CA glue or two part epoxy will add a really tough protective layer that resists water. What is the difference between Acacia and Koa? Often confused with koa , acacia actually refers to a family of wood species, of which one is the famous Hawaiian Koa. Acacia produces a deep, woody tone that is often preferred on a uke since it balances out the ukuleles natural brightness.

Aurea Giz Supporter. What is the most expensive tree in Hawaii? This makes Koa the world most expensive tree commercially. Irantzu Beemelmanns Supporter. What is Curly Koa? Curly Koa is named for its burl and swirly grain patterns showcased as playful spots and stripes with wavy figuring woven throughout the dark and light base wood.

Tilo Stolten Supporter. What is Koa wood from Hawaii?