Martin and MacArthur, Honolulu

What to buy here: Koa Accessories.

One of the more precious gifts one can take home to family or a friend is something made from the wood of the majestic Hawaiian Koa trees. Grown only in Hawaii this tree fills the forests of the Big Island. Known as some of the hardest and rarest wood in the world, the trees they especially valued for their rich orange color and iridescent grain. Koa is the wood of choice for ocean going outrigger canoes and paddles. The price of koa continues to escalate each year so purchasing even a handcrafted item is a worthy purchase that will increase in value over the years.

There are several stores and outlets that sell Koa wood accessories. One can even find them at craft fairs and even swap meets. However, the very best place to find a wide section of artisan quality accessories is at any Martin and MacArthur store on Oahu. Martin and MacArthur’s items are high quality Koa and not the lesser inexpensive Koa-like acacia wood from Northern California. All items are designed and crafted in the Oahu factory and for every piece of furniture that is purchased, a Koa tree is planted on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Martin and MacArthur has several locations throughout the islands, however, the flagship store is located at the Ward Centre on Ala Moana Boulevard. Store Hours are: Monday through Saturday 10AM-9PM, Sundays 10AM-6PM.