Koa is a richly patterned wood that only comes from Hawaii and can only be harvested from dead or decaying trees on public land. It is a sacred wood used for centuries to build canoes and ceremonial items as well as musical instruments like ukuleles. Cutting live koa is both illegal and culturally abhorrent.
Koa (Acacia koa) trees are found on Maui and Kauai. Prime growing area is between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, which is why the best koa comes from the Big Island near Hilo. Trees there reach heights of up to 100 feet with diameters of 3-4 feet. The colors vary from light gold to orange, deep purple, pink, scarlet, and even chocolate but are blonde at lower elevations. Like the mineral labradorite, koa has an iridescent quality once oil has been applied. The colors change depending on the angle from which you view it.
Koa brings both masculine and feminine energy and represents duality and balance. Found in ancient lava beds, koa contains minerals from the volcanic soil that make it abrasive and difficult to cut. Its fiery energy represents strength, wisdom, integrity, creativity, and protection.