Hau is native to most tropical countries in the Pacific.  It is believed that hau was brought to Hawaii by the early settlers. (Introduced) It is found from the shore to an elevation of about

 2,000 feet.

 

 Because of its usefulness, Hau was held in very high regard and it was a serious offense for a Maka’ainana (commoner) to cut any hau without first obtaining permission from a Konohiki or  Ali’I to do so.

 

In addition to being used for ‘iako and ama, hau was vital for making fire.  Rubbing a harder wood like ‘ohi’a or olomea against a piece of hau was how fire was made. 

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The bark of the hau was used for making rope and kapa.  Pieces of Hau were used as floaters for fishing nets.

           

Hau grows in thick, tangled forests with its branches that naturally curve frequently, creating a natural arch that is required for a good ‘iako. 

 

Shaping an arch into a hau log by steaming in an Imu has been described.  It was also a practice to train and shape young branches of the hau into the desired arching shape with the use of other branches and ropes.

 

 

               

  Two types of Hau are recognized:

                

Hau ko’I’i: Very hard wood, flowers and leaves have a reddish tinge to it, bark has many folds. Flower stems remain on the branch ends for a long time, forming dry clusters of Stems. Planted for shade and windbreaks.

  

Hau kae kae: Yellow flower, smooth bark, wood is softer than Ko’I’i . This type was used for ‘iako and ama. The bark was used for making cordage and ropes.