Acacia Koa, endemic to the islands of Hawai’i, takes its name from the Hawaiian word “koa,” meaning brave, fearless, bold. A royal tree reserved for the Ali’i class, the highest social caste in ancient Hawai’i, and reserved especially for the Kahuna, the expert craftsmen. Used for perfectly sculpted dugout canoes, ukuleles, and fine jewelry, the koa has a special place in Hawaiian history and culture, representing the boldness of the early island hopping Polynesian explorers, the fearlessness of their warriors, and the regality of their society.