Woods of Hawai`iloa
Na La`au o ka Wa`a

What properties would you want in your ocean-going canoe? Weight, strength, and durability were key. The kanaka maoli (ethnic Hawaiians) were both scientists of nature and accomplished engineers. Each wood was carefully selected for its physical features.

• Koa, a strong and durable tree, was favored for the canoe body. On Hawai`iloa, the manu (bow and stern pieces), mo`o (sideboards), wae (hull spreaders), and 2 hoe uli (steering paddles) are made from koa.
• `Ohi`a is an exceptionally hard and durable wood, not uncommon in Pacific forests. On Hawai`iloa, `Ohi`a forms the `iako (crossbeams), kia (masts), spars and booms.
• Hau is a widespread tree throughout the Pacific. The light-weight wood floats and is easy to work. The railings of the Hawai`iloa deck are made from hau, in an effort to keep her weight down.
• The massive Sitka Spruce can reach over 200 ft in height. The Hawai`iloa team was initially unfamiliar with the properties of spruce wood. They purposefully kept the hulls heavy until after the first sea trials, as spruce has a tendency to crack with drying.

Ka ulu koa i kai o Oneawa.
The koa grove down at Oneawa.
From the legend of Hi`iaka. Canoes are sometimes referred to as the koa grove at sea.
(`Olelo No`eau #1623; Pukui 1983)

Adze-making

Back Gallery of the Hawai`iloa Exhibit

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