The Beauty and History of Koa Wood Sunglasses Frames

The Beauty and History of Koa Wood Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must-have accessory for protecting your eyes from the sun's harsh rays. But they can also make a bold fashion statement with their shape, color and material. One unique material rising in popularity for sunglasses frames is koa wood. This beautiful Hawaiian wood has a rich history and creates stylish, eco-friendly eyewear.

What is Koa Wood?

Koa (Acacia koa) is a species of tree native to Hawaii that grows up to 100 feet tall. It has a reddish-brown trunk and produces a distinctive curly, tiger-stripe grain in its wood. The word "koa" means "warrior" in Hawaiian, referring to its strength and stature.

Koa wood was traditionally used by ancient Hawaiians to build canoes, surfboards and furniture. But when Westerners arrived in Hawaii in the late 18th century, they began exporting koa wood for use in fine furniture, boats and musical instruments around the world.

Today, koa remains one of Hawaii's most valuable native woods. It is prized for its beauty, workability and tone. However, koa trees are now protected in Hawaii, so koa wood is more limited in supply and quite expensive.

The Advantages of Koa Wood Sunglasses

Using koa wood for sunglasses provides some great benefits:

• Uniquely attractive appearance - The distinctive grain and color patterns of koa create sunglass frames that are works of art.
• Lightweight - Koa wood is less dense than many other hardwoods, making koa sunglasses comfortable to wear.
• Durable - Koa is a strong, stiff wood that resists warping and damage over time.
• Eco-friendly - Koa wood is sustainably harvested in Hawaii from tree plantations or private lands.
• Hypoallergenic - Koa contains less lignin than other woods so is less likely to cause skin irritation.

In addition to the frames, koa is sometimes used for decorative elements on sunglass arms and bridge accents. When combined with polarized or UV-blocking lenses, koa sunglasses provide both visual flair and eye protection.

Top Koa Wood Sunglass Brands

Many companies now offer koa wood sunglasses to meet rising demand. Here are some leading brands to consider:

Maui Jim

This high-end brand uses koa wood overlays on many of its patented PolarizedPlus2 sunglass lenses. Handcrafted on the island of Maui, Maui Jim koa sunglasses feature glossy finishes that accentuate the wood's beautiful grain.

Salt Optics

Based in Hawaii, Salt Optics handcrafts all sunglasses from koa wood. They use advanced CAD technology to get the best match between wood grain patterns and frame shapes. Their koa sunglasses feature unique contours and details.

Shwood

Located in Portland, Oregon, Shwood pioneered the use of koa wood for sunglasses. They offer both optical-quality and casual koa frames with variety of polarized and blue-light filtering lenses. Each frame shows off the wood's one-of-a-kind look.

Blenders Eyewear

This popular, affordable eyewear company uses koa accents on many of its sunglass styles. Blenders koa sunglasses combine the wood's natural beauty with fun frame shapes and mirrored lens options.

Kaenon

Known for its high-performance sporting sunglasses, Kaenon uses koa for the temples and bridge accents on select frames. Its koa sunglasses are precision-crafted and durable enough for active pursuits.

Caring for Your Koa Wood Sunglasses

To keep koa sunglasses looking their best for years, some simple care is required:

• Keep them in a protective case when not in use.
• Clean with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
• Use damp cloth to wipe off dirt but avoid submerging in water.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Use retaining screws to tighten if frames become loose.

With occasional maintenance, your koa wood sunglasses will maintain their allure while also protecting your vision when outdoors.

The Legacy of Koa Wood Eyewear

Koa wood sunglasses allow you to wear a piece of Hawaiian culture in a stylish, eco-friendly accessory. The swirly, reddish-brown grain makes each pair unique. While synthetic materials reign in most sunglasses, koa provides a natural and luxurious look. Respecting the past while meeting modern demands, koa wood eyewear has a bright future.

FAQs

What are the benefits of koa wood sunglasses?

Koa wood sunglasses are lightweight, durable, eco-friendly, and have an attractive, unique appearance due to the wood's distinctive grain. Koa is also hypoallergenic compared to many plastics.

How durable are koa wood sunglass frames?

Koa wood is very strong and resistant to warping or damage over time. With proper care, koa wood sunglasses can last for many years of regular use.

Do koa sunglasses come in different styles?

Yes, many major sunglass brands now offer koa wood accents or full koa frames in a wide variety of fashionable shapes and styles.

Is koa wood sustainable?

Koa trees are closely monitored and protected in Hawaii today. The koa wood used for sunglasses is ethically sourced from tree plantations and private lands under strict regulations.

How can I take care of koa sunglasses?

Store them in a protective case, clean with a microfiber cloth to prevent scratches, avoid submerging in water, and keep them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Tighten loose frames with retaining screws.