About Us

Our story is fueled by inspiration. In 2013 myself and founder Mike Amado left our traditional executive careers to embark on an unconventional yet powerful journey. After decades of living in the big city of Los Angeles, we decided on an adventure that took us to a cloud forest on the mountain side of Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

With the willingness to take risks and listen to a call of the heart, a path was cleared and we found a culturally rich and abundant property at the historical Kukaiau Ranch, on the Big Island. We fell in love with nature and the land’s rich forest. The abundance of emerging Koa plants and old growth Koa, hidden in the deep woods of the property, was an unexpected surprise. The appeal to preserve and restore the land was a natural next step. 

We educated ourselves about Koa, from both a historic and technical perspective. Along the way we picked up a small saw mill. That began a journey of great exploration and discovery that led to dimensional lumber production. Shortly after I was given a lathe and that inspired creative wood turning. Before long we became immersed in all things related to growing, harvesting, milling, and handcrafting Koa wood products.

We've devoted our skills and efforts to bringing back the land to its natural ecological heritage. And our project has now unfolded into a vibrant Koa forestry project, lumber resource and creative studio. Our online retail store and brick and mortar location serves as an channel to sell art and products from the ranch as well as Hawaii inspired goods. Proceeds from the sales of Koa are reinvested into the conservation program.

We are are proud stewards of the land and we welcome and invite you to explore the gifts of Koawood Ranch.

With Gratitude,

Craig Villarrubia