Koa Wood

I

Iwannashoot

Joined
Jan 26, 2012
Messages
91
If a person was headed to Hawaii (Maui/Big Island) would it be possible to bring back some Koa for making handle slabs? I've used it in the past and love the look, but I didn't know if it is possible to find a good source to buy a few board feet, or if it is all bought up by the big companies for resale. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Jeff
 
GOOGLE is your friend. Search Maui Koa Lumber or some such and you get something like:

http://www.ecomauikoa.com/

Probably could find a sawmill or lumberyard or a craftsperson that would sell you whatever you want. Don't expect great deals, though. Everything's expensive over there!
 
I live in Hawaii, on Oahu, not where you're off to, but yes you can, check the local the aside from what Phil said about craigslist, what homebru said about google will point you in the direction of furniture makers, they sometimes give away scraps.

Since you're going to be in Maui, if you're interested in lights McGizmo is out there as well... He may have some sources for Koa.
 
When I lived on Maui, I was fortunate to make the acquaintance of a local artist who turned nice Koa bowls and also carved model Koa outrigger canoes. I obtained a nice chunk of curly Koa from him, still have some as a matter of fact.

Maybe if you go to some galleries where wooden art is found you can make some connections.
 
I've stayed on the south end of the Big Island a few times. There are several roadise signs on Highway 11 between Kona and Volcano advertising koa for sale. We stopped at a couple a few years ago; both were local craftsmen making picture frames and other tourist mementos. I was gawking, not buying. If you were friendly and offered a fair price, you might have some luck.

There are several great fruit stands along the way. I had no idea there were so many varieties of avocado and mango. The malasadas in Naalehu are worth a stop too.

JR
 
Good luck, and just think, if you score some Koa you can write the trip off on your taxes. :thumbup::D
 
Big Island better than Maui for Koa overall

Cabinet makers/ guitar makers/bowl turners often have cut-offs that don't work for them.....but are great for knife handles!

Specifically, I remember a bowl turner near Volcano Village, and a wood working show near one of the Big waterfalls on the Big Island...but that was a few years ago

there is also a big lumberyard near Kona that has Koa


Bill Flynn
 
Thanks for all the knowledge guys. I can't wait to get there and see what I can find to bring home.

Aloha

Jeff
 
Even though you will be getting it from the source expect it to be expensive.
Straight grain Koa can be gotten cheaply, but the sky is the limit for the really good figured Koa.
Still.....I would love to spend a few days with some of the Koa loggers.

While you are there, watch for figured Mango, Pheasantwood and some of the other unusual woods they have there.
 
Burl Source said:
While you are there, watch for figured Mango, Pheasantwood and some of the other unusual woods they have there.
Click to expand...

Good luck with the figured mango, I've got a reward out for some and still haven't been able to find any lol. Pheasant wood i believe is called kolohala in hawaiian, nice wood used by many guitarmakers out here.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top