When you think of Hawaii, beautiful beaches and lush landscapes might come to mind, but the islands also boast a rich variety of unique woods. F
rom traditional uses like crafting surfboards to creating fine furniture and musical instruments, Hawaiian wood plays a significant role in the culture and economy of the region.
Exploring Hawaiian woods offers a glimpse into the natural diversity and skilled craftsmanship of the islands.
Whether you’re an artisan looking for your next project or just curious about the materials native to Hawaii, learning about these woods will reveal both their beauty and practical uses.
1. Koa
Koa is one of the most famous woods from Hawaii. It comes from the Acacia Koa tree, which is native to the Hawaiian Islands. The word “koa” means “warrior” in Hawaiian, highlighting its importance in local culture.
Koa wood has a stunning appearance. It often features multicolored heartwood in shades of golden to dark brown. This makes it popular for creating beautiful furniture, instruments, and food vessels.
This wood has been used for centuries in Hawaii. Native Hawaiians crafted canoes, weapons, surfboards, and more from koa. Its strength and durability made it perfect for these items.
Koa is also highly valued outside Hawaii. It’s commonly imported to the mainland United States, where it’s used in woodworking and for making musical instruments. Some people even compare the beauty of koa to mahogany and its working properties to walnut.
If you ever get a chance to see or work with koa wood, you’ll understand why it’s so treasured. Its rich history and striking look make it a true gem of Hawaiian nature.
2. Milo
Milo wood comes from the Milo tree, which is part of the mallow family. This tree is commonly found on coasts around the world. It’s known for its smooth and shiny appearance when polished.
The heartwood is typically a deep chocolate brown. The sapwood, on the other hand, has a lighter shade. These rich colors make Milo wood highly attractive.
Milo wood is moderately hard. This makes it a great choice for crafting fine objects like bowls and other turned items. It’s loved for its easy working properties.
Historically, the wood was used in Hawaiian canoe construction. Its strength and durability were perfect for making sturdy sailing and fishing canoes.
Whether you’re a woodworker or just appreciate fine craftsmanship, you’ll find Milo wood to be a unique and beautiful choice.
3. Monkeypod
Monkeypod trees are a special part of Hawaii. Known for their large, dome-shaped canopies, these trees can grow up to 80 feet tall. They provide a significant amount of shade, making them popular in parks and gardens.
The wood from a monkeypod tree is beautiful. It ranges from golden to dark brown, with some pieces having darker streaks. You might also find highly figured curly or wild grain patterns.
Monkeypod wood is easy to work with. It has a medium to coarse texture and can vary from straight to wavy grain. This makes it perfect for carving and creating furniture, platters, and bowls.
This wood is also durable. It resists decay and most types of insect damage. That means anything you make from monkeypod will last a long time.
If you visit places like Moanalua Gardens on Oahu, you can see these elegant trees. The park even has a famous $4 million monkeypod tree, which is a widely recognized icon.
4. Kamani
Kamani, also known as Tamanu, is a unique Hawaiian wood that you would love. It is moderately hard and has a dark brown heartwood with reddish undertones. This makes it visually appealing for various uses.
You might find Kamani perfect for making furniture or decorative items because it polishes well. Artisans appreciate its durability and manageability, allowing them to create long-lasting pieces.
Kamani wood is also used for food vessels. The wood doesn’t have a strong smell, which is great for storing food without altering its aroma. This shows how practical and versatile Kamani can be.
In Hawaii, Kamani trees are found on islands like Maui, Moloka’i, Hawai’i, O’ahu, and Kaua’i. They typically grow near sandy beaches with ample sunlight. They can reach heights of up to 60 feet, offering dense foliage.
Polynesian settlers introduced Kamani to Hawaii. Its broad distribution across the South Pacific highlights its historical significance and adaptability. This lovely wood blends tradition with usability, making it one of Hawaii’s treasured species.
5. Mango
Mango wood comes from the Mango tree, known for its sweet fruit. This wood is highly valued for its beauty and durability.
You’ll notice Mango wood has rich color variations and unique grain patterns. These make it a favorite for woodworking projects. The colors can range from light amber to dark brown.
Mango wood is often used to make furniture, flooring, or decorative accents. It’s a tropical treasure that adds an island feel to any piece. When you work with Mango, you bring a touch of Hawaiian paradise to your home.
It’s also a hardwood, which means it’s sturdy and long-lasting. Mango wood is less prone to warping than many other hardwoods, making it suitable for many uses.
This wood can sometimes be confused with rubberwood. They both have large, diffuse pores, but Mango wood has a distinct look thanks to its grain patterns.
In Hawaii, Mango wood is not just for furniture. It’s also prized in the culinary world. Chefs use Mango wood for smoking meats, giving the food a unique and pleasant flavor.
When you choose Mango wood for your project, you’re picking a versatile and beautiful material that stands the test of time.
6. Lychee
Lychee wood comes from the lychee tree, known for its delicious fruit. This wood is special because of its unique fragrance and durability. When you use lychee wood for smoking or grilling, it adds a sweet aroma to your food.
Always soak lychee wood chips or chunks in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This helps release their full flavor. Use it in moderation since its taste can be quite strong.
Store lychee wood in a dry place to keep it from getting moldy. If stored properly, it can maintain its quality for a long time. This wood is not only practical but also adds a special touch to your culinary creations.
7. Ohia
Ohia is one of the standout woods from Hawaii, known for its dense and durable nature.
This native species often features a rich, medium reddish-brown color, making it visually appealing for various applications.
Ohia wood is commonly used in flooring and posts, especially in luxury home decor.
Though obtaining Ohia wood can be challenging, it is often worth the effort for its unique qualities. The wood typically comes in slabs with lengths of 6-8 feet and widths of about 1 foot.
Ohia trees grow mainly on the Big Island of Hawaii, thriving in barren lava fields and volcanic soil. This unusual environment gives the wood its distinct characteristics.
In addition to its strength and beauty, Ohia also holds cultural significance in Hawaii. It’s more than just wood—it’s a piece of Hawaiian history and tradition.
8. Sugi Pine
Sugi Pine, also known as Japanese Cedar, is a unique type of wood found in Hawaii. This wood is well-loved for its blend of red and brown colors, giving it a warm and inviting appearance.
When you work with Sugi Pine, you’ll notice its strong cedar smell. This characteristic scent makes it a popular choice for carving and small crafts.
If you look closely at old-growth Sugi Pine, you may see a compression curl. This adds a beautiful, figured appearance to the wood. It’s not just pretty; it’s also functional.
Furniture makers often use Sugi Pine. The wood’s mix of durability and aesthetic appeal makes it a great choice for creating high-quality pieces. Whether you’re making furniture or crafting smaller items, Sugi Pine offers beauty and strength.
9. Cook Pine
The Cook Pine tree is commonly found in Hawaii. Foresters often plant it for lumber and reforestation. Its wood is strong but light, making it a popular choice for construction.
You can see Cook Pines across the islands, especially on Kauai, where they thrive due to the climate. These trees can grow quite tall, providing good coverage and adding to the island’s scenic beauty.
If you visit Hawaii, you’ll likely notice these trees in many places. They are easily identifiable by their straight trunks and needle-like leaves. Cook Pines are also used for making furniture and other wooden items.
The Cook Pine is not just functional but also adds to the natural charm of Hawaii. Its presence is an essential part of the island’s forestry and landscape.
10. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a well-known tree in Hawaii. Several species are native, including the endangered Hawaiian Sandalwood. This tree is cherished for its fragrant wood and has a long history of use in traditional Hawaiian culture.
You’ll often find Sandalwood growing in various soil types, from sandy to loamy, and it flourishes in well-drained areas. It can handle full sun, partial shade, and even coastal exposure.
The Hawaiian name for Sandalwood translates to “sweet wood,” which hints at its pleasant scent. The tree’s aromatic qualities make it popular for perfumes and incense.
Hawaiian Sandalwood was historically overharvested, which led to its endangered status.
Sandalwood trees on the Big Island, including varieties like the Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, are found at high elevations, often in unique ecosystems alongside other native plants like Mamane and Koa.
Historically, Sandalwood played a crucial role in Hawaii’s economy, particularly during the early 19th century when it was traded extensively. Today, it’s valued for its cultural significance and ecological importance.
Conservation efforts aim to protect and restore these precious trees.
If you visit the islands, you might catch a whiff of their delightful fragrance, a true reminder of Hawaii’s natural beauty.
