Why the Market?
Koa has become increasingly hard to source due to pressure from out-of-state and international buyers, along with fewer mills and contracts. At the same time, some Koa suppliers have trouble moving their inventory. In response to this market pressure, the Hawaiʻi Forest Industry Association (HFIA) has teamed up with Kamuela Hardwoods and Paniolo Tonewoods to launch a pilot project to release Koa material onto the local market for professional craftspeople, wood workers, instrument makers, and others.
The Kamaʻāina Wood Market
The Kamaʻāina Wood Market aims to get processed and semi-processed Koa (and other) lumber into the hands of local craftsmen and artisans at transparent and predictable prices that reflect the cost for stumpage, harvest, processing and distribution. A second objective is to safeguard the supply of wood by ensuring that forest stewards have the resources they need. The Hawaiʻi Forest Institute and HFIA are not-for-profit facilitators of distribution to our members who adopt the standards of transparency, as well as the credo of this HFIA initiative.
“The Kamaʻāina Wood Market aims to get processed and semi-processed Koa (and other) lumber into the hands of local craftsmen and artisans at transparent and predictable prices.”
How It Works
- Visit the market to view what’s on sale
- Once the sale begins (check date and time), contact the seller to purchase (limit: 2 bundles per customer)
- Arrange payment and pick-up or delivery
NOTE: You must be a current member of the Hawaiʻi Forest Industry Association (HFIA) to participate in this sale. > JOIN HFIA
HFIA’s Role
The Hawaiʻi Forest Industry Association does not own the wood at any time during its acquisition, transport, processing or sale. We are simply facilitating an open, transparent marketplace to benefit our members and local businesses. We do not intend to compete with any member, rather, as always, our goal is to promote the use of Hawaiʻi-grown woods, including Koa.