Koa
Acacia koa
Also known as: Hawaiian Koa
Exotic / Importedluxury
Janka Hardness
1,170 lbf
5.2 kN
Density
610 kg/m³
2.56 lbs/bf
Grain
Slightly interlocked, sometimes wavy; often figured with curl or ribbon
Texture: Medium to coarse
Figure
Curl, wavy grain, ribbon-stripe common
Drying
Moderate
Movement: Very Low
Origin
Hawaii
Fabaceae
Plain-Language Guide
Koa is Hawaii's crown jewel — the most beautiful and useful of its native hardwoods. Visually it resembles mahogany; mechanically it behaves like walnut. Its remarkable dimensional stability (T/R ratio of 1.1) means finished pieces stay put. The catch: supply is dwindling and prices reflect it. If you get your hands on figured Koa, treat it well.
Common Mistakes
- Planing figured grain with a set that's too aggressive — use 15° skew or cabinet scraper to avoid tearout on curly sections
- Applying finish without testing — Koa can occasionally resist gluing and some finishes; a barrier coat is wise
- Buying cheap 'Koa' without verifying sourcing — demand for this wood has created a market for mislabeled substitutes
Color & Appearance
Heartwood
Sapwood
Variable golden to reddish brown, similar to mahogany; contrasting growth ring bands; figured curl and ribbon-stripe are common.
Workability
Hand Tools
Good
Machine Tools
Good
Gluing
Easy
Finishing
Easy
Turning
Suitable
Carving
Not typically used
Generally easy to work and sands beautifully. Highly figured boards can tearout during planing — take light passes. Turns, stains, and finishes exceptionally well. One of the most rewarding exotics to work with.
Global Availability
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Specialty importers only |
Health & Safety
Allergen Risk
Low
CITES Status
None
Notes
Closely related Australian Blackwood is a known sensitizer; exercise standard dust precautions.
Common Uses
Musical instruments Furniture Cabinetry Veneer Turning Canoes Gunstocks Carvings
Sustainability: Not CITES listed. IUCN: Least Concern. However, most Koa forests were cleared for grazing, and young seedlings are eaten by livestock — mature trees are increasingly scarce. Prices will only rise. Australian Blackwood is a more sustainable substitute.