4,700+ sold · 100% feedback · US-based
Koa is one of the rarest woods a maker can put their hands on, grown only in Hawaii and famous for a curly figure that seems to shimmer and shift as you tilt it in the light. If you want koa veneer sheets for a truly special build, this is genuine wood veneer worth having on hand.
We cut and sell koa veneer by the square foot in small, maker-friendly sizes.
What is koa veneer?
Koa veneer is a thin slice of real wood, Acacia koa, a species that grows only in Hawaii. Slicing it thin stretches a genuinely limited supply tree across many sheets, so a single log covers far more surface than the same wood sawn into solid boards. Because it is genuine wood veneer, not a printed laminate, it sands, stains, and finishes exactly like the solid board it came from.
Quick facts
Origin: Hawaii, native only to the islands
Color: Golden brown to reddish brown
Grain / figure: Often straight, but famous for curly or fiddleback figure with a shimmering chatoyant effect
Cut: Plain sliced
Janka hardness: About 1,170 to 1,300 lbf
Thickness: We stock 1/45 inch raw and thicker options
Backing: Raw, or paper backed veneer on request
Workability: Good, though curly figure can tear out if cut too aggressively
Sold: By the square foot, ready to ship
Appearance and figure
Koa's color runs a warm golden to reddish brown, but its real signature is the curl, tight waves in the grain that catch and shift light as you move around a finished piece. This chatoyant shimmer is the reason koa is a favorite for ukuleles and guitars, where a curly top turns heads under stage lighting. Plainer, straight grained koa exists too and has its own quiet appeal.
[Buy koa veneer on eBay →]
Working and finishing tips
Koa cuts and presses well with a sharp razor knife and standard wood glue or contact cement. The curl that makes it so beautiful also makes it a little trickier to cut cleanly, light passes and a very sharp blade reduce tearout through the wavy grain.
An oil finish is the classic choice, it deepens the color and makes the curl shimmer even more.
Honest cautions.
- Curl figure can tear out. Cut with light passes and a sharp blade, especially where the wave direction changes.
- Genuinely limited supply. Koa grows only in Hawaii, a naturally small range, so pricing reflects real scarcity rather than markup.
- Color and figure vary widely. Curl intensity ranges from subtle to dramatic tree to tree, so look closely at what you are buying if a specific look matters.
Best uses
- Ukuleles and guitars. The signature use for curly koa, prized for both looks and tone. See Veneer for Guitars & Luthiers.
- Premium boxes and accents. A special occasion wood for a piece meant to impress.
- Fine furniture details. Small doses of curly koa make a striking accent in a larger piece.
For another famously curled figure, compare our Curly Maple. Browse the full Wood Veneer Types pillar or head to the Shop.
Sustainability and sourcing
Koa grows only in Hawaii, a genuinely limited native range, which keeps supply naturally smaller and pricier than mainland species. It is not CITES listed. Veneer is the responsible way to use a scarce, special wood: a single log sliced thin covers far more finished surface than the same wood cut into solid lumber.
Available now on eBay
Every sheet below is a live WoodCycle listing. We are US-based and ship fast, usually within one business day.
Frequently asked
Why is koa so expensive?
It grows only in Hawaii, a genuinely small native range, so supply is naturally limited compared to mainland hardwoods.
What makes koa's curl figure special?
Tight waves in the grain catch light and shift as you move around the piece, a shimmering effect called chatoyance that koa is especially known for.
Is koa veneer hard to work with?
The curl that makes it beautiful can also tear out if cut too aggressively. A sharp blade and light passes give the cleanest result.
Is all koa curly?
No, some koa is plain and straight grained. Curly, fiddleback figure is prized and priced higher.
Where does your koa come from?
Hawaii, the only place koa grows natively. It is not CITES listed.
Need another species for the project?
Browse the full species library or shop live listings on eBay.