Hawaiian Mango wood comes from the mango tree (Mangifera indica), widely known for its tropical fruit. Native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, mango trees are now cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions.

Mango trees were introduced to Hawaii and have been grown in orchards, gardens, and landscapes. In addition to producing fruit, trees removed during orchard renewal or routine land management can provide useful timber.

Hawaiian Mango is admired for its varied natural colors and distinctive grain. Pieces featuring curly figure or contrasting streaks are particularly attractive for musical instruments, furniture, and decorative woodworking.

Common Name

Hawaiian Mango / Mango Wood

Scientific Name

Mangifera indica L.

Family

Anacardiaceae (Cashew Family)

Native Range

Parts of South and Southeast Asia

Wood Origin

Hawaii Island, State of Hawaii, USA

Average Dried Weight

Approximately 675 kg/m³ (reference value; varies by specimen)

Common Uses

Ukuleles, guitars, furniture, and specialty woodworking

One of the most appealing characteristics of Hawaiian Mango is the individuality of its natural grain and color.

In curly pieces, variations in grain direction create changing reflections that can produce a three-dimensional appearance under suitable lighting and finishing.

Some boards display golden-brown backgrounds with darker streaks, while others exhibit more complex color variations and irregular figure.

Pieces with attractive figure, suitable dimensions, and sound material condition can be selected for decorative guitars, ukuleles, furniture, and specialty projects.

Hawaiian Mango is used in the construction of ukuleles, guitars, and other musical instruments.

Its attractive curly figure and distinctive colors make it particularly appealing for ukulele tops, backs, and sides, as well as guitar backs, sides, and decorative components.

Mango instruments are sometimes described as having a warm, mellow tonal character. However, these are general playing impressions rather than guaranteed properties of the wood species.

The final tone, response, and sustain of an instrument depend on wood density, stiffness, component thickness, bracing, body construction, and craftsmanship.

Selecting individual pieces according to their mechanical properties and intended use is essential for successful instrument construction.

The workability of Mango wood depends on its grain structure, moisture condition, and individual characteristics.

During drying, factors such as board thickness, initial moisture content, grain orientation, temperature, and humidity should be carefully considered.

Rapid or uneven moisture loss can contribute to checking, warping, and other dimensional changes.

Drying time varies depending on the material and drying method. Thickness alone is not sufficient to determine a reliable drying schedule.

For precision applications such as instrument making, allow the wood to acclimate to the workshop environment. Check moisture content, flatness, and visible defects before final processing.