Koa is the Hawaiian word for "warrior" and "courage".  In ancient Hawaii, Koa wood was harvested exclusively for the Alii class (royalty) and others of high social status. Its trunk was used to build sea-faring canoes, sculpted images of god, and personal containers.  The reddish wood has maintained its popularity in the local culture and is highly prized for use in wood carvings, musical instruments, and furniture.  To learn more, click here to read the full article on Koa Wood .