Koa - Acacia koa

Koa is one of the best known native Hawaiian tree species. Approximately 50 species of endemic insects can live on the koa, never leaving these trees. Koa "leaves" are sickle shaped and are actually modified, flattened leaf stalks, not true leaves. The trunk is used for single and double-hulled canoes, paddles, weapons, ukulele and surfboards. A canoe 70 feet long, 3 feet wide and capable of carrying 70 people can be made from one large koa tree.