Koa (Acacia koa) is a legume tree native to Hawaii. It is found on all the big islands and grows from near sea-level to the tops of the mountains, although it prefers the moist sites between 3,000 to ...

The “Cat’s Eye Jewelry Dresser” by Tom Pasquale, an elevated curly koa jewelry box with drawers also made from koa, was deemed Best in Show during this year’s Winter Wood Show at Harbor Gallery.

The native tree is a vital part of Hawaiʻi’s forests and watersheds, and prized by woodworkers and by Hawaiian cultural practitioners. The challenge is making koa sustainable for all of its valuable ...