Koa Tree and the ‘Elepaio

By Beth Coma

The Koa Tree was used by our ancestors to create canoes, housing, weapons, and tools. Koa means “brave” and can also mean “warrior” as Koa Trees are known for their strength, steadfastness, and resiliency. A kānaka (native Hawaiian) saying goes, “E ola koa” or “Live like Koa,” meaning to live in strength and rootedness. Today, the Koa is a precious wood, known for its sturdiness and veneer. The ‘Elepaio bird is endangered due to introduced diseases, human impacts, and foreign predators. The ‘Elepaio can be seen today if you’re lucky up in the mountains amongst the Koa trees in Kōke‘e, Kaua‘i.

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