Under The Koa Tree is a wonderful place to explore while in the Hawaiian islands. I visited the Waikoloa location on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here you will find a showcase of Koa wood art, paintings and island treasures by island artists. Just walking through this shop filled with Hawaiian handcraft art is joyous, taking one home is even more incredible.
According to Under The Koa Tree’s website Koa wood is the mahogany of the Hawaiian Islands, it was wood reserved for royalty. It was used for royal canoes, canoe paddles and surf boards. Koa wood handcrafting was watched over by priests in ancient times. It was a wood associated with wealth and well being. Today the trees have experienced extensive damage due to cattle grazing and there are ongoing projects in the islands for reforestation of Koa wood. Native Hawaiians believe Koa will continue to live on and flourish.
You can visit Under The Koa Tree at two locations; Waikoloa on the Big Island and Waikiki Beach Walk on Oahu. Both locations have an extensive and beautiful collection of Hawaiian wood products, paintings, sculpture and treasures. During my visit I purchased a Koa wood game board, which I continue to treasure today.