Koai‘a (Acacia koaia)

Hawaiian name: Koai‘a (Koai‘e)
Botanical name: Acacia koaia
Family: Fabacae (Pea Family)
Status: Endemic, At Risk
Where found: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu & Kaua‘i
Water/Light: Dry, with full sunlight
Elevation range: 150 to 6,200 feet
Height: 15 to 25 feet, with a 20 foot spread

From Work Done by Whit Germano to Catalog Native Hawaiian Plants
MNBG

Photo courtesy of Jupiter Nielsen

Notes: Koa's relative, koai‘a, once grew in the lowlands of most Hawaiian Islands. Koai‘a is usually a better choice for lowland landscapes over koa because of its smaller stature and natural resistance to pests. The dense reddish brown wood is harder than koa and was used by early Hawaiians to create short and long spears, fish lures, shark hooks and paddles. A yellow kapa dye can be made using the flowers. Medicinally, the crushed leaves were mixed with other plants and used in a steam bath to treat skin disorders. Koai‘a is drought and wind tolerant.

‘Ōlelo Noeau [M. K. PUKUI]: E hu‘e mai ‘oe i ke koai‘e o Makawao!
Translation: Try uprooting the koai‘e tree of Makawao!
Meaning: A boast from a strong native lad of Makawao, Maui saying, “I dare you to tackle me.”

Photo: Starr

Join Us for the
20th Annual
Arbor Day Garden Expo!

2,500 Native Hawaiian
Trees Giveaway

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.