Koa Wood Uses before Jewelry
Koa Wood in jewelry making is a common modern practice. Hula dancers often wear Koa bracelets and other jewelry. We've taken it a step further by pairing the beautiful wood with hypo-allergenic metals for a more versatile look as well as add to our pieces. While koa jewelry is fairly modern the use of Hawaiian Koa wood dates back centuries.
The Koa wood, also known as the Hawaiian mahogany, has always been treasured for its fine texture. The tree, native to Hawaii, thrives on volcanic soil, particularly on the Big Island where it can grow upwards of 100 feet tall. The stunning color of the wood varies between a lighter or orange brown to a deep red based on the area it grows in.
Komo Koa Jewelry
KOA RINGS
KOA JEWELRY
KOA WATCHES
The Polynesians have long treasured the Koa wood tree for its strength, durability and resilience. The term "Koa" translates to bold, warrior-like, brave, and fearless. It was used to make everything from weaponry and tools like spears and paddles to musical instruments like the ukulele. The prized Hawaiian Koa wood was even reserved for people of royalty status (Aliʻi) and the Hawaiian Monarch where it was sculpted into images of gods and made into furniture among other uses. Whole Koa logs, up to 60 feet long, were used to make voyager canoes called Te Puke. Watch this short video from the History Channel showcasing how historians believed the Polynesians may have used these and their navigational skills to discover the Americas before Columbus.
By the turn of the century the prized koa wood was still primarily used for those of higher status and in government architecture to make furniture, staircases, statues, and other woodworks. Iolani Palace on Oahu, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a beautiful place to view such use. The demand for Hawaiian Koa wood is still high for making quality furniture and other upscale projects.
The State of Hawaii is working on preserving this rare but desirable wood by implementing harvest restrictions and adding reforestation projects. We at Koa Wood Rings only use wood that's been sustainably sourced, most often reclaimed pieces from woodworking projects. We also commit to helping the reforestation projects by donating a portion of our proceeds to foundations that work to educate and preserve Hawaii's natural forests such as The Hawaii Forest Institute and Hawaii Forest Industry Association. Our beautiful jewelry is purchased everyday as gifts, to celebrate anniversaries, and our rings are often the symbol of love as wedding bands. We're honored to be a part of people's love stories, memories, and aloha.
Let customers speak for us
Once again, our experience with the purchase of my husband's ring was outstanding. Product was so very lovely, communication was brilliant, and delivery of item very timely. Thank you again! ☺️
My wife’s ring was a size too large. Return process was seamless through US Postal Service. Also, my wife loves the quality and design.
This was a surprise gift for my girlfriend and was absolutely a big hit. The heart size and shape is perfect around the neck and the detail in the redwood and rose gold is really splendid. Woodsman always has such an amazing exchange/Repair policy. The chain broke unfortunately after several months and they quickly sent us a replacement, no questions asked. Jewelry from the Woodsman is highly recommended as we own 3 pieces already. The style, craftsmanship, quality and durability are always first class. Thank you!
My girlfriend and I just love this purchase. It was a present and she absolutely loves it. The fit is perfect and the craftsmanship is impeccable. Looks brand new and eye catching every time she wears it! The Redwood and rose gold combo is beautiful. Thank you, once again always great items from Woodsman!
She wears it all the time, it looks great, and it reminds us of our trip to the redwoods.
My fiance and I get married in a week, and he LOVES his ring. I got a little phrase that's part of my vows to him engraved in, and he adores it. He's from California, and I always call him my Redwood tree for a lot of sappy reasons - and this ring was perfectly sentimental for this. So thank you! It's beautiful and he's really happy with it. I was worried that it would be too thick of a band, but it was perfect.
The help with my Koa Wood ring was much appreciated. My first ring had a flaw and Woodsman took care of the issue with no problems. I appreciate the willingness to work with me. Thank you!
My original Ring needed some adjusting, and there was no hesitation in assisting. Not often do you find a company who truly stands behind their product and their work. I’m proud to wear the ring and to recommend to others incredible product.
Always beautiful jewelry, really nice koa and nice packaging. Fast shipping.
The bracelet is very nice however the clasp comes unlocked and the bracelet has fallen off several times already. That’s how I lost my first bracelet. Other than that I have received many compliments on how nice the bracelet looks.
Gum Burl Watch Stainless Steel White Bezel - Men's
I received the product very fast and once it arrived i was astonished once i opened the box. Wow this timepiece looks and feels amazing. Thanks so much for the amazing watch.
Beautiful work and great customer service!
We bought a pair of the kauri rings and they are fabulous, even better than the pictures. Customer service is fantastic, although the rings are sized in US and UK letters/numbers I would recommend sizing in mm as we did have to get one resized. The customer service was great and very simple. We even got it engraved , very happy with the results. Thanks
Bought ring to fill as my back-up to my original wedding band which was damaged. This new koa band has not left my finger since it arrived, even though my original band has been fixed. Love the island connection! Born and raised in Aiea!
