Koa: Koa has many meanings in the Hawaiian language. It is most frequently seen in Hawaii when referring to koa trees or koa wood. Koa wood is hard and dense and is frequently used in higher end tiki and other carvings. Koa trees are endemic to Hawaii. The wood was used in ancient Hawaii to make canoes and surfboards especially for the ali’i (chiefs). Koa also means brave, fearless or warrior. Many Hawaiian mo’i (kings), including King Kamehameha, and ali’i nui (high chiefs) were guarded by the elite Koa Warriors.