Into the Wood
Some of the most beautiful pieces in Hawaiian decor are made from koa. It is valued for its hardness, strength and rich golden colors that range from light to dark. Koa wood has vibrant grain markings and often comes with a high degree of curl. Once reserved only for Hawaiian royalty, koa wood is just as treasured today and is made into fine furniture, bowls, crafts and even musical instruments.
Other types of high-quality wood also are finding a spot in island decor. Milo wood is prized by bowl and utensil makers for its attractive grain and polish. Norfolk pine lends itself to delicate and translucent pieces such as bowls or calabashes that seem to glow with an inner light. Kou is traditionally used in calabashes, and kamani is another wood used extensively for food platters and the like. Lastly, ‘ohi‘a, which ranges from pale brown to a dark reddish brown hue, is a very hard wood that is suited for flooring, furniture and cabinets. These great varieties of wood have resulted in unique pieces designed to enhance the beauty of any home or office.
Martin & MacArthur
multiple locations
www.martinandmacarthur.com
Simply Wood Studios
Royal Hawaiian Center
2233 Kalakaua Ave., (808) 626-5300
932 Kapahulu Ave., (808) 626-5650
Under the Koa Tree
Waikiki Beach Walk
226 Lewers St., (808) 926-8733
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- Koa chessboard (carved wood chess pieces sold separately) Martin & MacArthur, $395.
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- ‘Koa Lapita’ 36-inch canoe by Francis Pimmel, Martin & MacArthur, $30,000.
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- ‘Lighthouse’ desk lamp, Martin & MacArthur, $545.
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- Wooden wine stoppers, solid, Under the Koa Tree $18; inlay, $30.
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- Koa jewelry box by craftsman Chuck Dominguez, Martin & MacArthur, $1,625.
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- Koa rough-edge bowl, Under the Koa Tree, $325.
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- Koa armoire, Under the Koa Tree, $1,950.
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- Norfolk pine bowl, Under the Koa Tree, $315.
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- Magnet, various styles, Under the Koa Tree, $18-$32.
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- Handcrafted Hawaiian koa rollerball pen inlaid with an Italian acrylic, takes a Schmidt or Waterman Style refill $169, handcrafted Hawaiian koa ballpoint pen inlaid with Box Elder burl with resin, takes a Parker style refill $138. Both from Simply Wood Studios.
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- Magnet, various styles, Under the Koa Tree, $18-$32.
