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Koa

Acacia koa

Also known as: Hawaiian Koa, Koa Acacia

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

Koa wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
1,170 lbf (5,204 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
610 kg/m³ (38 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.58
Type
Tropical hardwood
Grain
Straight to wavy, often with stunning curl or figure
Texture
Medium
Durability
Moderately durable, resistant to decay
Region
Oceania
Sustainability
Restricted — Vulnerable - endemic to Hawaii, limited supply, protected

Overview

Koa is Hawaii's most prized native wood, renowned for its stunning figure and importance in ukulele and guitar making. Its golden to reddish-brown color and often spectacular curl make it highly sought after. The species is endemic to Hawaii with limited supply, making it a precious and protected resource.

The heartwood ranges from golden to reddish-brown, often with dramatic curl, fiddleback, or feather figure. It has a medium texture with straight to wavy grain. Dried weight averages 610 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 1,170 lbf. The wood is moderately dense with excellent acoustic properties.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

Moderate

Gluing

Good gluing properties

Finishing

Excellent - takes oil and polish beautifully, figure enhances with finish

Steam Bending

Good steam bending characteristics

Scent

Mild, pleasant when worked

Assessment

Strengths

  • Stunning figure
  • Excellent for ukuleles
  • Works well
  • Beautiful finish

Weaknesses

  • Limited supply
  • Expensive
  • Can crack if dried too fast
  • Protected species

Common Uses

Ukuleles · Guitars · Furniture · Turnery · Veneer · Fine woodwork