Hawaiian Kauila

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300LW

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David
Colubrina oppositifolia. I realize this is going to be tough to find but it doesn't hurt to try. Kauila is a native Hawaiian wood traditionally used for weapons and tools. Hard and heavy. If anyone has some they'd be willing to part with, or has a lead, I'd appreciate it. Any size, the bigger the better. Figured? Don't know if that's even possible.
 
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You certainly picked a very hard to find super dense wood that sinks in water and from what I know rare pieces of this wood is “gifted and circulated” within the Hawaiian community. To the best of my knowledge there are two species of Kauila- alphitonia ponderosa and Colubrina oppositifolia (endangered). These were used for fence post.

@Jonkou
 
300LW said:
The harder to find, the more I want it.
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I reached out to a couple of locals- you will not find this commercially available and you will have to seek out the “off beaten tracks”. I reached out to a well known HI turner verified to me that the “alphitonia” species is the “legal” one that can be used (as mentioned on the previous post #5, the Colubrina oppositifolia is endangered; restricted). He only used the “alphitonia” and was “offered it at one time and it was wildly expensive”. The thing is that it will be difficult to to figure out the two species even side by side as they are so similar in properties and then trying to obtain a small workable piece will even be the biggest challenge. I will keep you posted if I get anywhere with this.
 
David,

A kaikuaʻana member pm’d me and I have to respect “ethically” in the proper A’loha spirit and A’loha way in how one properly obtains this special wood in the Hawaiian culture, in the way it is used culturally and by having good intentions. I was well aware of this already and with that said, I am afraid that I will not be able to further help you in your search as I have to do the right thing here. GL.
 
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  • #10
I can appreciate the feelings of the Hawaiian people on this subject. I have some contacts on the Big Island I need to pursue. Just thought this would be the place to begin my search.
 
This has nothing to do with feelings and this is more than just obtaining wood for the sake of obtaining one because they are hard to get. This is about culture, symbolism, respect, what it stands for in their culture, culture significance and the great importance it represents from one person to the next. Something’s just cannot be bought, something’s has to stay where it came from, there is a high protocol for such things of grave importance to their culture and as I mentioned to you before it has to be “gifted” and you have to have great intentions for it, you have to practice a trade that facilitate in the way this was used in the Hawaiian historical culture. I was reminded of this, not just by a kaikuaʻana member here and a craftswoman in the island who received a special piece like this in what it represents as a whole in the Hawaiian culture/society. Not trying to be all righteous, but I am giving you facts with what I was told and what I have already known.
 
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