Koa trees are an integral part of Hawaii’s biodiversity. Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, these majestic trees thrive in deep volcanic ash and can grow up to 100 feet high. Koa forests provide important habitats for native plants and animals, including many endangered species.
Beyond its ecology, the Koa tree has played an important role in Hawaiian culture. Koa wood was associated with Hawaiian royalty and was used to build traditional outrigger canoes for fishing, racing and voyaging. In the Hawaiian language, the word koa also means brave, fearless, or warrior.
In recent years, Hawaii’s native forests – and particularly Koa forests – have been reduced to a fraction of the area they once occupied.
To help reverse this trend of deforestation and decline, we partnered with Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) to replant and conserve Koa forests. Since 2014, HLRI has planted more than 500,000 trees over 1200 acres in the protected Hawaiian Legacy Forest.
In celebration of Arbor Day, we are donating 50% of all sales to HLRI to support the planting of Koa trees in the continuing reconstruction of Hawaii’s native forests.
For more information on HLRI, check out their website here! If you would like to make a direct donation to the organization, please see tree planting options here.
Mahalo!
Team Koa
