The koa is one of the most popular trees of the Hawaiian Islands. Once abundant in all of the chain the koa is now more readily available as furniture, jewelry and trinkets. If left to grow, the tree can reach heights in excess of 50 feet before branching out. Traditionally, because of the wood's strength and size, the koa was often carved to make surfboards, canoe paddles and canoes.

According to Pukui and Elbert’s Hawaiian Dictionary the word koa means "brave, bold, fearless"; for that reason a small koa was sometimes added at the altar of Laka, the goddess of hula, to make the dancers fearless.

The koa also proved to have strong medicinal purposes. Kahuna lāʻau lapaʻau would prepare a bed of koa leaves for the sick person to lie on. Merely lying on the leaves would cause the person to sweat and drift into sleep. The patient would often be famished after the moe, a good sign that the patient was feeling better.

The ashes of the koa are a good remedy for children 6 months to one year old who are weak with illness.

To Prepare: Mix a tablespoon of koa ash and coconut ash with the milk of four kukui nuts. Rub the mixture along the roof of the mouth and on top of the tongue twice a day.

Please seek the guidance of your physician or traditional healing specialist before beginning treatment of any kind. Also, please remember that Hawaiian herbal remedies are always used in conjunction with spiritual cleansing and pule (prayer).