Are koa trees 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.

Why is the koa tree so special?

What makes Koa so special? Koa wood is special because of three primary reasons, its beauty, rarity, and symbolic meaning. The beauty of Koa is rooted in its unique grain patterns and a variety of colors. It only grows in Hawaii and has played a significant role in ancient Hawaiian history.

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.

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.

Why does koa only grow in Hawaii?

Koa trees have been growing in Hawaii before the earliest Polynesian settlers ever came to Hawaii. Man did not bring Koa to Hawaii. Koa was growing in Hawaii before man arrived. This is the reason why Koa is so highly prized in Hawaii.

What is the most expensive tree in Hawaii?

The One Tree In Hawaii That’s Worth Nearly Half A Million Dollars

• The Monkeypod is both stately and iconic.
• The tree can grow up to 80 feet in height, and was believed to have arrived in Hawaii in 1847.

Is Hawaiian Koa wood expensive?

Koa wood is precious 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 wood starts at around $40 per board feet and can go up to $200 board feet for rare large slabs.

Is Koa wood exotic?

Koa is an exotic wood sourced from the islands of Hawaii. This species has a lot of color variation and is often sought after for its high figure. Most Koa boards have a light tan to brown background with colored streaks of red, gold, black, and yellow.