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A native tree of Hawaii, Koa (Acacia Koa) has long since been sought after for its historic and cultural significance. It was once used for just about all building and manufacturing applications but, because it is not an easy wood to work with, it was replaced as other easier to work with woods became available. It is considered by many woodworkers and furniture makers to be one of the most beautiful, precious and rare tropical hardwoods. Now it is primarily used for making furniture, musical instruments, veneers and heirloom pieces. A small, newly made, Koa jewelry box can cost upwards of $500. A small dining set in excess of $6,000.
Taking approximately 50 years to mature, this tree can reach heights of 100 feet and have a trunk that is over 4 feet in diameter at its base. It is a unique wood with color that can vary from a golden blond to reddish brown to dark brown with streaks of darker browns and black.  Or any combination thereof.  When finished, the wood is highly lustrous, with beautiful hues of gold, red, or brown. Some Koa has a curly grain, wavy like in appearance, and is the most sought after grade. When finished it gives the appearance of so much depth that it dares you to touch it.
Koa is found growing throughout the state but the majority of the trees grow on the slopes of Maui and the big island of Hawaii. Although opinions vary as to why, the harvesting of Koa is now controlled with many of the old growth trees protected. Most of the commercial grade Koa is taken from Hawaii ("The Big Island" of Hawaii.) Because Koa grows in areas that were once lava fields, it is thought that that is the reason for it’s beautiful golden reddish color.

Acacia Koa Gray
*  written by Karl Dalla Rosa

Koa is unquestionably Hawaii's most prized tree species - culturally, ecologically and economically. Hawaiians have always valued Koa for its exceptionally beautiful and durable wood. It remains the premier Hawaiian timber for furniture, cabinetry, interior work and woodcrafts. Equally important, native Koa forests provide unique wildlife habitat, critical watershed recharge areas and recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, forest clearing for agriculture, cattle grazing and feral pig activity have much diminished Hawaii's once extensive Koa forest. The scarcity of Koa wood is reflected in its ever-increasing price, which is now high enough to economically justify helicopter logging.

Distribution

Acacia Koa occurs at elevations from 180 to 6000 meters between 19 and 22 latitude on all of the major Hawaiian Islands. It prefers an annual rainfall of 1900 to 5100 mm, and well-drained acid soils. However, Koa adapts to almost any of Hawaii's diverse environments indicating its potential elsewhere in the Pacific. Koa is found on all volcanic soil types of all geologic ages. It grows well in moderately to well drained, medium to very strongly acid soils on both flatland and steep slopes. On dry, shallow poorly drained soils Koa’s growth is slow and its form generally poor.
Occurring in both pure and mixed forest stands, Koa is most commonly associated with the native Ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha). It is also a codominant in several other major forest types including Koa/Mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) Montane Dry Forest and Koa/Ohia/A’ e (Sapindus soponaria) Forest (Wagner et. al. 1990). Today Acacia Koa stands are fragmented and concentrated in areas between 600 and 1800 meters elevation (Whitesell 1990). This distribution is largely the result of land conversion to agriculture and ranching. Cattle avidly graze Koa seedlings, preventing regeneration.

Uses

Wood: Koa heartwood is highly valued by furniture and crafts people throughout Hawaii and consumers the world-over, for its unique grain, varied color and workability. It seasons well without serious warping or splitting. Curly-grained wood, the result of both stress and genetics, is preferred over straight-grained wood. Wood color ranges from a subtle yellow to a striking dark red-purple. The specific gravity of Koa wood is on average .40, but with curly-grained wood can be as high as .65. Mature Koa boles are commonly forking or fluting and often suffer from heart rot. These characteristics and wide branch angles limit its value as a large timber. Fortunately, these defects may be corrected through silviculture.

Forage and Wildlife Habitat: Cattle, sheep and pigs browse Koa foliage aggressively, especially its juvenile leaves. Koa is spread geographically throughout Hawaii and thus offers a variety of wildlife habitats of diverse moisture regimes, soils and vegetative compositions. An overlay of a Koa forest area map onto a forest bird "habitat island" map produced by Walker (1986) shows remarkable correlation.

Land Reclamation: Most Koa plantations in Hawaii have been established to provide vegetative cover on sites degraded by decades of intense grazing. Where scattered Koa already exists, seed stored in the soil will likely germinate if the soil is scarified and grass competition controlled.

Botany and Ecology

Acacia Koa is a large, evergreen broadleaf tree and the only Acacia native-and endemic-to Hawaii. Trees occurring in dense, wet native forest stands typically reach heights of 25 m and stem diameters (DBH) of 150 cm, while retaining a straight, narrow form. In the open, trees develop more spreading, branching crowns and shorter, broader trunks. Koa bark is gray, rough, scaly and thick. Observations indicate that Koa has one main taproot - and an otherwise shallow, spreading root system.
Koa belongs to the thorn-less, phyllodinous group of the Acacia subgenus Heterophyllum (Whitesell 1990). Like other phyllodial species, mature Koa trees do not have true leaves. Instead they produce phyllodes, or flattened leaf petioles. Young seedlings have bipinnate compound true leaves with 12 to 15 pairs of leaflets. Where forest light is sufficient, seedlings stop producing true leaves while they are small less then 2m tall. Trees growing in dense shade retain true leaves longer.
Phyllodes are sickle-shaped and often more than 2.5 cm wide in the middle and blunt pointed on each end. Investigations suggest that true leaves promote more rapid early growth when moisture is adequate, whereas phyllodes are better adapted to drought. Phyllodes transpire only 20 percent as much as true leaves, and their stomata close four times faster after dark. Phyllodes typically hang down vertically, a position that enhances their ability to capture light during early morning and late afternoon hours. Seedlings are able to switch back from phyllode to true leave production when the sunlight reaching them is reduced (Walters and Bartholomew 1990). This adaptation allows them to survive and grow under a wide range of light regimes.
Observations suggest Koa can flower almost any time of year, depending upon local weather conditions. The inflorescence of Koa is a pale yellow ball averaging 8.5 mm in diameter, one to three on a common stalk. Each inflorescence is composed of many bisexual flowers. Each flower has an indefinite number of stamens and a single elongated style. One known pollinator of Koa is the honeybee (Apis mellifera). Koa appears to be fully self-fertile (Brewbaker 1977).
Koa pods are slow to dehisce and about 15 cm long and 2.5 to 4 cm wide. They normally contain between 6 and 12 seeds that vary from dark brown to black. Pods reach maturity at 4 to 6 months, depending on location and weather conditions. Insect larvae of many species typically destroy a large proportion of the mature seeds before they dehisce.
Seed production typically begins when trees are 5 years old. Koa bears seed often and abundantly. Seeds are seldom dispersed far from the tree and remain viable in the soil for up to 25 years. Thus remnant Koa stands are capable of dominant regeneration under favorable conditions. Koa seeds do not require sunlight to germinate, but seedling growth is slow in dark understories or in thick grass. The species thus requires large forest gaps, such as those created by storms, to successfully regenerate.

Silviculture

Propagation is most successful from seed. One study recommends air- layering as the best vegetative propagation technique (Skolmen 1978). Koa seeds are durable and easy to store. They germinate after many years of storage if kept in a cool, dry place. The most effective method for improving seed germination is mechanical scarification. However, hot water soaking works well and is a more practical method. Boil water and remove it from the heat source. Soak seed in the boiled water for 24 hours. Once treated, seeds are typically sown in nursery beds. One week after germination, seedlings are transplanted into nursery tubes or bags. Seedlings are ready for transplanting into the field when they are approximately 20 cm tall after 3 to 4 months in the nursery. Observations suggest that heart rot problems may be partially caused by root damage during transplanting. Therefore, establishment by direct seeding or encouragement of natural regeneration is recommended. On favorable sites, planted seedlings typically grow to 9 m in 5 years time (Judd 1920).
Koa's wide branching form is the result of open growth. Trees with long clear boles-called "Canoe trees" by native Hawaiians are now rare, but still found in forest gaps created by fallen trees. Dense stocking of seedlings, which mimics the competitive environment where superior "canoe trees" grow, encourages straight and rapid height growth. Initial spacing of 1.2 x 1.2 meters is currently recommended. Observation indicates that effective self-thinning will result in an adequate number of potential crop trees by age 25.
Where scattered Koa cover is adequate, plantation establishment is most easily and successfully accomplished through the stimulation of natural regeneration. Pasture soils are scarified and competition from grasses reduced by the application of a contact herbicide. Gaps in the regeneration are filled with planted seedlings. Fertilizers are applied to give seedlings an initial "boost". Plantation thinning prescriptions should be based on desired products and management capabilities. The most important factors to consider in picking Koa crop trees is stem form and height. Research on Koa plantation management and various spacing and thinning regimes is direly needed.

Symbiosis

Acacia Koa is nodulated by the slow-growing Bradyrhizobium spp. common in tropical soils. It nodulates heavily in a variety of soils, suggesting it is effective with a wide variety of Bradyrhizobia strains.

Pests and Diseases

Banana poka (Passiflora mollissima) is a fast growing vine that commonly outgrows and smothers young Koa trees. Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum), a dominant and extremely aggressive highland grass in Hawaii, is a major deterrent to the emergence of Koa seedlings on cleared or formerly grazed lands. Successful Koa plantation monoculture has historically been difficult to achieve due to associated insect and disease problems. Examples include the defoliating Koa moth (Scotorythra paludicola) and a lethal "Koa blight" first observed in 1988 on the island of Oahu.

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* This was written by Karl Dalla Rosa, Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife A Publication of the Forest, Farm, and Community Tree Network

References: Brewbaker, J.L. 1977. Final Report, Acacia Koa project. Unpublished report on file at the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry and University of Hawaii, Department of Horticulture, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Judd, C.S. 1920. The Koa tree. Hawaii Forester and Agriculturist 17(2):30-35.

Skolmen, R.G. 1978. Vegetative propagation of Acacia Koa Gray. In Proceedings, Second Conference in Natural Sciences, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, June 1-3, 1978, edited by C.W. Smith. p. 260-273.

Wagner, W.L., D.R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai'i. Vol. 1. University of Hawaii Press, Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Walker, R.L. 1986. Koa and wildlife - An enduring relationship. Unpublished paper on file at the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Walters, G.A., and D.P. Bartholomew. 1990. Adaptation of Acacia Koa leaves and phyllodes to changes in photosynthetic photon flux density. Forest Science 36(4):1050-1060.

Whitesell, C.D. 1990. Acacia Koa Gray. In Silvics of North America; 2, Hardwoods. R.M. Burns and B.H. Honkala, Tech. Coordinators. Agricultural Handbook No. 654. USDA Forest Service, Washington, D.C.

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808 245-2199

Map

Please keep in mind that wood is a natural product and color and grain will vary from the samples shown and from frame to frame.  Of all the woods, Koa varies the most in appearance.  It is a unique wood that can vary from a light oak appearance to dark brown with streaks of darker browns and black. Or any combination thereof.  When finished, the wood is highly lustrous, with beautiful hues of gold, red, and brown.

Color and grain requests are considered but are NOT guaranteed.

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At Kauai Frame Your Privacy
Is Taken Seriously!

You can visit and browse the Kauai Frame website at any time without providing any information.  The only* information collected is what you supply via the ordering process or use of the Contact Form.  That information is only used to process your order should you choose to make a purchase.

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JLS Photography
John Skipper

Patrice Pendarvis
Artist

Patrice is a well accomplished artist that I have known for many years and without question, she captures the beauty and magic of Kauai.  Her paintings are soft, easy to look at and always invite you "in" for a visit.  Visit her site, you won't be disappointed. Her work is beautiful. E komo mai!

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Mark Dahmke
Photography

Mark offers Fine Art, Nature, and Landscape Photography on a variety of items; cards, mugs, tote bags, T-shirts etc..  So . . . Indulge your dreams of Hawaii — get that little bit of paradise you forgot to pick up on your last visit.

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Ric Madden
Artist

Ric's watercolors possess an inspirational, almost dreamlike quality and are inspired by the tropical landscapes of Hawaii, especially Kauai. He enjoys watercolors for their purity and simplicity, and invites you to tour his ever increasing gallery of landscapes, portraits, lush flora and fauna of Hawaii or, his enchanting dreamscapes. Enjoy....

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Margaret Ezekiel
Artist

Axt cs agfut comytrcathgn,gfd pruytting a vlkal igfe or owerct hs ag opljibity vo asdmundfate difghrejk hjkeads ol z coxcvex mbnmage iq e styule muiopt. Ipasdad og shjkly lzxering a cvbtemenm, tqw artysu miops ad ifghe, oghjt, ijklllazxon ox pqazrmawce asd ixedes ir wvth

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Handling Charges

Frames

For EACH frame size you ordered add together the dimensions of the frame(s) .

If you ordered one  8" x 10"  ( 8 + 10 = 18)  Handling  Charges would be $10.00.  If you had ordered  two frames @ 8" x 10",  the Handling Charges would be $12.50

Other Items

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Picture Frames 101

Independent resource website for amateurs. It is an informational site on picture frames with information on photography and scrap-booking.

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Bamboo Frames

Koa Frames

Gift Frames

KF5CB
3/4 x 5/8

Bamboo Frames

Koa Frames

Gift Frames

Bamboo Frames

Koa Frames

Gift Frames

All of the items on the following pages are made from solid Hawaiian Koa Wood.  The supply of all items is VERY limited and no more will be made. When they're gone, they're gone.
Sales are on a first come, first served basis.

Boxes

These are the last of the original boxes designed and produced by Lazerz Edge.
No two boxes are the same in appearance.
The box you see is the box you will receive.

#10
Plain
4" x 6" x 3"
$75.00

Purchase

#11
Plain
4" x 6" x 3"
$75.00

Purchase

These surfboard shaped bookmarks are also made from solid Hawaiian Koa Wood.
There's more than one of each of these items but not too many.

#1 - #10
1/16 Thick x 1 1/4" W x 5" L 
Bookmarks
$8.95

Purchase

These Tiki's are hand carved from Hawaiian Koa Wood and each one is unique.
There is no intentional religious significance to any of the carvings.
The Tiki you see is the Tiki you will receive.

#1 (Large)
5" x 9"
$69.95

Purchase

#3 (Medium)
2.5" x 8"
$49.95

Purchase

Measurements really, really close

Designed to hang on the wall, these are the last of the
original surfboards designed and produced by Lazerz Edge.
They all have skegs and that familiar surfboard bend.
Because they are made from Koa wood no two boards
are the same in appearance.
The board you see is the board you will receive.

Purchase

Purchase

Purchase

Purchase

Purchase

Purchase

These Polynesian style fish hooks are made from shell, not bone or ivory and are decorative items. They are hand carved and can be worn on a neck chain or lanyard or displayed as seen below. No two are exactly the same. Hooks measure approximately 1.5"  x 2.75" 

Polynesian Style Fishhook
Shadowbox (Profile KF4)
As shown $45.95

Displayed in a 5" x 7" frame.
Outer dimensions are
approximately 8" x 10".

Polynesian Style Fishhook
on Lanyard
As shown $6.95

Hook w/30" Lanyard.
Easy to adjust.
Can be removed from lanyard.

There are more than 100 shells in each of these necklaces. The shells for these necklaces are gathered, cleaned and sorted, then have a small hole drilled in them.  Then they are arranged and strung, all one at a time - all by hand.  A lot of ahonui goes in to making each one.

Also available framed shadowbox style.  The frame can be opened so the necklace can be worn

These are not Ni'ihau shells.

These are not Ni'ihau shells.

Frames are sent to you unassembled in "stick" form. You will require a good quality corner vise and framing glue to join the frame together yourself or the services of a professional picture framer.

Frames do not come with glass or backing unless you contact Kauai Frame first and agree to the additional charges for assembly and glazing.  Packing and shipping costs are based on the finished, boxed size of your frame and are billed separately.

Why unassembled?   It will cost you less in the end.

First is the cost.  There are no Fitting or Assembly charges.  When sent, the size of the box is much larger for an assembled frame but in most cases it is not very heavy.  This results in the shipper charging what is called  "Dimensional Weight"; what a box that size should weigh according to their industry standards.

Second is the glass.   Shippers prefer Plexiglas® (plastic) because it is less likely to break however, it costs more than glass.

Third is the damage factor.  The larger the box, the more likely it is that it will sustain some damage.  Although most damage is minor and usually does not result in damage to the frame, fame corners/joints can be broken requiring repair or at worst replacement.  Because of the variations of Koa it is not possible to replace just one side of the frame and expect it to match the other three sides.

Kauai Frame is a custom frame shop.  All Koa frames are cut and finished accordingly when ordered.   Therefore, all sales are final.

Except for the Koa virtually all materials used in the framing process are sent or shipped here from the U.S. mainland.  Our glass, mat boards, backing, glue, hooks etc. all cost us more than your local framer pays and that cost is of course, reflected in the pricing.

Your local framer will charge you to assemble the frame but I am fairly confident that you will save money in the end.  I would like to see you spend that money in making a nicer presentation of your art rather than have you settle for a lesser frame because of the added packing and shipping costs.

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Bookmarks
Styles 1-5
Styles 6-10

Tiki's
Large
Medium
Small

Surfboards
Board #1 w/Clock
Board #2 w/Clock
Board #3 w/Clock
Board #5
Board #6 w/Clock
Board #7

Miscellaneous
Fishhook, Framed
Fishhook, Necklace

Shell Necklace #319
Shell Necklace #360