A Photographic Guide to Acacia koa Defects

Koa (Acacia koa A. Gray) wood is a culturally important and economically valu-able hardwood species in the Hawaiian Islands. It is native to Hawaii, found primar-ily on the larger of the islands, and occurs nowhere else in the world (Baker et al. 2009, Whitesell 1990). It has been, and continues to be, an important timber species for the manufacture of wood products in Hawaii. Koa wood is used for a variety of products from traditional items such as canoes and fine musical instruments (e.g., ukuleles) to flooring. The wood has a cultural significance to Hawaiians-many people would like to own a koa piece of heirloom quality.