However, koa adapts to almost any of Hawaii's diverse environments indicating its potential elsewhere in the Pacific. Koa is found on all volcanic soil types of all geologic ages. It grows well in moderately to well-drained, medium to very strongly acid soils on both flatland and steep slopes. Koa's growth is slow and its form generally poor. This distribution is largely the result of land conversion to agriculture and ranching.
Cattle avidly graze koa seedlings, preventing regeneration.
Koa heartwood is highly valued by furniture and crafts people throughout Hawaii, and consumers the world-over, for its unique grain, varied color and workability. It seasons well without serious warping or splitting. Wood color ranges from a subtle yellow to a striking dark red-purple. The specific gravity of koa wood averages .40, but with curly-grained wood can be as high as .65. Mature koa boles are commonly forking or fluting and often suffer from heart rot.