North Shore Koa Designs creates a wide range of items:  Clocks, napkin holders, decorative wall art, furniture pieces, and seasonal products.  Most items are made with Koa wood but other products have been made out of pine, black walnut, and mahogany.  The combination of different woods are often selected for contrasting wood color and grain. More often than not, it is the combination of woods that enhances the beauty of Koa.

Computer assisted equipment such as the machine called Computer Numerical Control (CNC), is never used to make any item.  Although power tools directed by David are used, he also uses a hand planer, hammer, and chisel to create Koa  items. All fine sanding and finishes are done by hand.

Within the gallery you will find a pictures of products made by North Shore Koa Designs as well as pictures of custom ordered furniture. Due to the scarcity of Koa wood, orders must be placed well in advance; Furniture designs may not be possible  due to the availability of the size of boards needed.

The Koa tree is rare and endemic to Hawaii.

The wood is harvested only from trees that have decayed or have fallen due to natural causes.

Koa wood is known for its deep, rich colors and interlocking grain – which causes curly figuring.

This extremely strong hardwood is revered and prestigious to Hawaiians. 

Historically, Koa wood was used for canoes, paddles, weapons, and furniture belonging to the Hawaiian royalty.

Premium Koa lumber can cost $150-$200/board foot. Prices are increasing as the wood becomes scarce.

Although its population is stable, Koa trees are considered to be an endangered species. North Shore Koa Designs purchases their Koa wood from a ranch on the Big Island, The Koa Wood Ranch. A portion of all proceeds goes directly to the reforestation activities done by The Koa Wood Ranch. 

As a husband and wife team, David and Sharlene  reside on Kauai's North Shore. Their garage is David's workshop where he makes all of their products. His passion for woodworking began in high school wood shop class. Throughout his life he has refined his craft  to the point that friends and relatives began asking for specific items to purchase. 

 Throughout her life, Sharlene  has developed her ability to design and create things. Seeing her ideas come to fruition with David's woodworking skills, has given her a sense of satisfaction and pride.  She modifies or adds features to her designs to fulfill a buyer's  vision of an end product. By doing so, most final pieces become  keepsake for the buyer - the rarity of Koa wood and the time spent working on an item is a value that cannot be measured. Without saying, products made by David and Sharlene are indeed one of the kind items that can not be found in stores.

David's been on Kauai's north shore for almost 10 years. Sharlene was born and raised in Hawaii.  After 24 years of being an elementary school teacher, Sharlene is retired and devotes her time to designing new Koa wood products.  David's day job is a software analyst / programmer, a career spanning 37 years.   

Send David and Sharlene an email if you have ideas on something you would like crafted. They are a team that welcomes a challenge.