Introduction

The Hawaiian Islands, located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.

The rich soil created by volcanoes, the warm climate, and the ocean breezes combine to create a special environment that nurtures some of the most beautiful woods in the world.

From endemic species like Hawaiian Koa to trees brought from around the world over 100 years ago that have developed unique characteristics in Hawaii's soil, Hawaii boasts a diverse and fascinating array of trees.

These woods have long been used for canoes, furniture, and crafts, and are now cherished by craftsmen worldwide as premium tonewoods for instruments like ukuleles and guitars.

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Key Points for Choosing Hawaiian Wood

Each type of wood has its own unique characteristics.

Figure

Curly, quilted, spalted – unique patterns created by nature.

Color

Golden, reddish-brown, chocolate brown – varies greatly by tree species.

Density/Weight

Ranges from light and easy to work with to extremely hard and durable.

Acoustic Properties

For instrument wood, the density and stiffness of the wood affect its resonance and response.

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Hawaiian Koa

English Name：Hawaiian Koa
Scientific Name：Acacia koa

【Characteristics】
An endemic species representative of Hawaii, it is a special wood that grows only in Hawaii. In ancient Hawaii, it was used as a material for ocean-going canoes, and today it is an iconic Hawaiian wood used in high-end instruments and furniture.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】
Approximately 0.55
It has moderate weight and excellent strength, similar in properties to Black Walnut.

【Color】
From golden to reddish-brown to deep brown, it displays rich changes over time.

【Grain/Figure】
Known for its beautiful curly and flame figuring, its three-dimensional luster is highly prized by craftsmen worldwide.

【Workability】
Highly stable, with excellent cutting, sanding, and finishing properties. It develops a deep luster with oil or lacquer finishes.

【Acoustic Properties】
Characterized by bright and clear trebles, balanced mid-range, and pleasant sustain.

【Main Uses】
・Ukuleles
・Guitars
・High-end furniture
・Knife handles
・Crafts

【Rarity】
★★★★★

【Recommended Uses】
High-end instruments, collector's wood, high-end furniture

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Hawaiian ʻŌhiʻa

English Name：ʻŌhiʻa
Scientific Name：Metrosideros polymorpha

【Characteristics】
An iconic endemic Hawaiian species, known as "ʻŌhiʻa Lehua" for its red flowers, it is considered a sacred tree. It has been used by Native Hawaiians for important purposes such as tools and canoe parts.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】
Approximately 0.70
A very hard, dense, and heavy wood.

【Color】
Ranges from light brown to deep reddish-brown.

【Grain/Figure】
Characterized by fine, dense grain, giving it a calm and elegant appearance.

【Workability】
Its hardness requires skilled processing, but it offers excellent durability after finishing.

【Acoustic Properties】
Due to its hardness and high density, it is expected to produce clear and powerful sound attack.

【Main Uses】
・Furniture
・Cabinets
・Flooring
・Crafts

【Rarity】
★★★★☆

【Recommended Uses】
Durable furniture, decorative items

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Hawaiian Mango

English Name：Hawaiian Mango
Scientific Name：Mangifera indica

【Characteristics】
Though known as a fruit tree, mango is also highly popular as a wood with beautiful figuring. In Hawaii, it has long been used for furniture, bowls, and other crafts.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】
Approximately 0.57
A moderately weighted wood that is relatively easy to work with.

【Color】
Varies from light blond to dark brown, sometimes exhibiting blackish-brown heartwood.

【Grain/Figure】
Exhibits diverse and unique patterns such as curly figure, fiddleback, and spalted effects.

【Workability】
Moderately hard, with excellent cutting and sanding properties.

【Acoustic Properties】
Features a warm, mellow tone with rich mid-low frequencies and responsive sound.

【Main Uses】
・Ukuleles
・Guitars
・Furniture
・Bowls
・Crafts

【Rarity】
★★★☆☆

【Recommended Uses】
Unique instruments, furniture, crafts

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Hawaiian Kamani

English Name：Kamani
Scientific Name：Calophyllum inophyllum

【Characteristics】
While not endemic to Hawaii, it is a historic tree brought to Hawaii by ancient Polynesians. It is characterized by unique flowing grain and beautiful tropical colors.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】
Approximately 0.55〜0.65
Has medium hardness and excellent durability.

【Color】
Displays a variety of colors, from golden to reddish-brown, and olive tones.

【Grain/Figure】
May exhibit flowing ribbon grain and unique wavy patterns.

【Workability】
Quartersawn sections can be difficult to work, but result in a beautiful finish.

【Acoustic Properties】
Possesses moderate density and can provide a warm, calm resonance.

【Main Uses】
・High-end furniture
・Tableware
・Cabinets
・Crafts

【Rarity】
★★★★☆

【Recommended Uses】
Decorative furniture, high-end crafts

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Hawaiian Toon (Red Cedar)

English Name：Hawaiian Toon / Red Cedar
Scientific Name：Toona ciliata

【Characteristics】
Introduced to Hawaii around 1918, this wood is now valued as a unique tonewood grown in Hawaii's environment. It is lightweight, aromatic, and highly workable.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】
Approximately 0.35
A very lightweight wood with excellent responsiveness.

【Color】
Changes from light reddish-brown to deep reddish-brown.

【Grain/Figure】
Has straight, beautiful grain, occasionally exhibiting attractive figure.

【Workability】
Extremely easy to work with, suitable for carving and turning.

【Acoustic Properties】
Features quick response and a warm, open tone. Combines the warmth of Western Red Cedar with the balance of Mahogany.

【Main Uses】
・Ukuleles
・Guitars
・Carvings
・Turned items
・Furniture

【Rarity】
★★★☆☆

【Recommended Uses】
Lightweight instruments, top wood, carved artworks

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Hawaiian Milo

English Name：Hawaiian Milo
Scientific Name：Thespesia populnea

【Characteristics】

A beautiful tree that grows along the coast of Hawaii, Hawaiian Milo was considered a highly valuable wood in ancient Hawaii. Due to its slow growth, durability, and resistance to insects, it was traditionally used for dishes, bowls, canoe parts, and decorative items.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】

Approximately 0.60
A moderately weighted wood with excellent stability.

【Color】

The sapwood is light yellowish-brown, and the heartwood ranges from reddish-brown to deep chocolate brown.

【Grain/Figure】

The grain is relatively fine and smooth, characterized by beautiful color contrasts. Occasionally, curly or complex patterns may appear.

【Workability】

Excellent for cutting, sanding, and finishing, developing a deep luster when polished.

【Acoustic Properties】

Possesses medium density and is characterized by a warm, calm resonance and rich mid-range.

【Main Uses】

・Ukuleles
・Guitars
・Bowls/Tableware
・Furniture
・Crafts

【Rarity】

★★★★★

【Recommended Uses】

High-end instruments, high-end crafts, decorative items

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Hawaiian Cuban Mahogany

English Name：Hawaiian Cuban Mahogany / West Indies Mahogany
Scientific Name：Swietenia mahagoni

【Characteristics】

Originally a high-grade mahogany native to the Caribbean, it was introduced to Hawaii in the early 1900s. Wood grown in Hawaii's climate possesses beautiful reddish-brown color and excellent strength, making it highly valued as a luxury furniture wood.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】

Approximately 0.70〜0.80
A heavy wood with moderate hardness and high durability.

【Color】

Immediately after cutting, it has a reddish, pinkish, or yellowish tint, gradually changing to a deep reddish-brown over time.

【Grain/Figure】

Characterized by smooth, uniform grain, sometimes exhibiting beautiful ribbon figure and unique patterns.

【Workability】

Excellent cutting, gluing, and finishing properties, achieving a very beautiful luster.

【Acoustic Properties】

Possesses warm mid-range, rich resonance, and excellent balance, also valued as an instrument wood.

【Main Uses】

・High-end furniture
・Guitars
・Ukuleles
・Cabinets
・Crafts

【Rarity】

★★★★☆

【Recommended Uses】

High-end furniture, high-end instruments, decorative wood

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Hawaiian Silky Oak

English Name：Hawaiian Silky Oak / Lacewood
Scientific Name：Grevillea robusta

【Characteristics】

Native to Australia, it was introduced to Hawaii for shade and forest regeneration purposes. It has distinctive "lace-patterned" grain and is popular worldwide for its high decorative value.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】

Approximately 0.57
Medium weight, offering an excellent balance of strength and workability.

【Color】

Changes from light pinkish-brown to golden, developing a beautiful luster with age.

【Grain/Figure】

Strong medullary rays appear on the quartersawn surface, creating a distinctive "lacewood" pattern resembling fish scales.

【Workability】

Good cutting and sanding properties, resulting in a smooth and beautiful finish.

【Acoustic Properties】

Medium density, characterized by a bright, clear tone and moderate resonance.

【Main Uses】

・Guitars
・Ukuleles
・Furniture
・Cabinets
・Decorative items

【Rarity】

★★★☆☆

【Recommended Uses】

Decorative wood, instrument wood, high-end furniture

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Sugi (Japanese Cedar)

English Name：Japanese Cedar / Sugi
Scientific Name：Cryptomeria japonica

【Characteristics】

A coniferous tree native to Japan, planted in Hawaii by the Hawaii State Forest Service between the 1910s and 1960s. It is lightweight, aromatic, and has long been cherished in traditional Japanese architecture.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】

Approximately 0.41
Lightweight, easy to handle, and excellent for woodworking.

【Color】

Sapwood is white to pale yellow, heartwood is reddish-brown.

【Grain/Figure】

Characterized by straight, clean grain, giving it a soft and warm appearance.

【Workability】

Extremely easy to work with, excellent for cutting, carving, and sanding.

【Acoustic Properties】

Lightweight with excellent vibration transmission, producing a warm and mellow tone. Similar in properties to Western Red Cedar.

【Main Uses】

・Instrument tops
・Boxes
・Furniture
・Crafts
・Interior paneling

【Rarity】

★★☆☆☆

【Recommended Uses】

Lightweight instruments, carvings, small crafts

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Hawaiian Swamp Mahogany

English Name：Hawaiian Swamp Mahogany
Scientific Name：Eucalyptus robusta

【Characteristics】

One of the most widely planted eucalyptus species in Hawaii, among over 100 varieties. When mature, it becomes extremely hard and develops a beautiful deep mahogany color.

【Specific Gravity/Weight】

Approximately 0.80
Very heavy, possessing strength and durability comparable to White Oak.

【Color】

Young trees are bright red, maturing to deep reddish-brown to dark mahogany colors.

【Grain/Figure】

Quartersawn material may exhibit beautiful "block mottle" figure, resembling a checkerboard pattern.

【Workability】

Its hardness requires skilled processing, but after finishing, it achieves a deep luster and luxurious feel.

【Acoustic Properties】

High density, offering strong sound attack and long sustain.

【Main Uses】

・High-end furniture
・Flooring
・Instrument wood
・Decorative wood

【Rarity】

★★★☆☆

【Recommended Uses】

Furniture requiring durability, high-end decorative wood

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Hawaiian Ironwood

English Name：Hawaiian Ironwood
Scientific Name：Casuarina spp.

【Characteristics】

A species planted in Hawaii for windbreaks and coastal preservation. It is extremely hard and durable, earning it the name "Ironwood."

【Specific Gravity/Weight】

Approximately 0.58〜0.81
Varies greatly by species, but is generally very dense and heavy.

【Color】

Ranges from deep reddish-brown to dark brown, possessing a profound color.

【Grain/Figure】

Exhibits radial flecks and oak-like grain, giving it a strong and wild appearance.

【Workability】

Due to its extreme hardness, drying and processing can be challenging, but it offers outstanding durability once finished.

【Acoustic Properties】

High density, providing clear sound attack and strong percussive feel.

【Main Uses】

・High-end furniture
・Knife handles
・Turned products
・Decorative items
・Woodwork requiring durability

【Rarity】

★★★★☆

【Recommended Uses】

Knife handles, high-end crafts, durable furniture

Which Hawaiian Wood to Choose?

【For those who prioritize aesthetics】
→ Hawaiian Koa, Pheasantwood

【For those who prioritize instrument making】<
→ Hawaiian Koa, Toon, Mango

【For those who prioritize rarity】
→ Koa, Milo, Pheasantwood

【For those who seek hard and durable wood】
→ ʻŌhiʻa, Lemon Gum, Ironwood

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Unique wood from Hawaii, one of a kind

Even within the same species, each piece of wood varies in color, figure, and grain.

These are unique expressions created by nature over decades, even centuries.

At Maikai Wood Hawaii, we directly deliver carefully selected rare woods from the Big Island of Hawaii to Japan.

Find the perfect piece to enhance your next creation.

【View all Hawaiian woods】