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The Teachings of Canoe Builder James Kahoʻoilihala — 1973

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In 1973, I had the opportunity to ask Hawaiian canoe builder James Kahoʻoilihala how he selected a koa tree in the forest for building a canoe.

Affectionately known to us as "Tūtū Man," he was 70 years old at the time. He had built fishing and racing canoes in the Hilo district from the 1940s through 1973. He learned the art of canoe building from his father and grandfather, carrying forward knowledge passed down through generations.

The following is what he shared with  me.            D. Fergerstrom

Reading the Tree

Every mark, scar, or twist in the trunk of a tree tells a story about the life of that tree. A knowledgeable canoe builder must learn to recognize and understand these signs before deciding whether a tree is suitable for building a canoe.

Begin by examining the overall appearance of the tree. If the canopy is healthy and well-balanced, there is a better chance that the trunk will contain solid, sound wood. If the bark is smooth and even, without large cracks or other irregularities, the trunk is less likely to have internal defects.

Look carefully at the upper portion of the tree, particularly where the larger branches join the trunk. These junctions, or crotches, can provide important clues about the condition of the heartwood.

A tree without large crotches high in the trunk is less likely to have internal rot. Where large crotches do exist, look for ferns or other plants growing within them. Their presence can indicate that moisture has collected in these areas and that decay may have developed within the trunk.

Listening to the Tree

Another way to judge the condition of a tree is to strike the lower trunk with a hammer and listen carefully to the sound it produces.

A hollow sound may indicate that the interior of the trunk is rotten or contains a cavity. A firm, solid sound suggests that the wood inside is sound.

The experienced canoe builder learns to recognize the difference.

Recognizing the Kohe and Other Defects

Tūtū Man taught me to look for what he called a Kohe, a fold or crease in the bark of the tree.

When a Kohe is found, examine it carefully to determine how deeply the fold extends into the trunk. A deep Kohe can be an indication that decay has developed within the wood.

Also look for rounded knots along the sides of the trunk. These often mark places where branches broke off many years earlier. As the tree continued to grow, new wood gradually covered the old branch opening.

Although the surface may eventually appear closed, decay may have developed inside. The larger the knot, the greater the possibility of internal rot.

Understanding the Lala and How the Tree Will Fall

Before cutting a tree, study its natural lean. The direction in which the trunk leans is an important indication of where the tree is likely to fall.

The distribution of the branches must also be considered. Tūtū Man referred to the largest branch in the canopy as the Lala.

The size, weight, and direction of the Lala can have a significant influence on the direction in which the tree will fall when cut.

The Lala may also form a large crotch where it joins the main trunk. Examine this junction carefully for ferns or other vegetation growing within the crotch. Their presence can indicate moisture accumulation and possible decay extending into the heartwood.

Understanding the position and condition of the Lala was therefore important not only in determining the quality of the wood but also in anticipating how the tree would fall.

Getting the Log Out of the Forest

Perhaps the most important consideration comes before the first cut is made.

A canoe builder must determine not only where the tree will fall, but also whether the fallen log can be removed from the forest.

If the tree falls into a deep gully, across rough terrain, or into a location that is difficult to reach, recovering the log may be extremely difficult or even impossible.

A beautiful koa tree, regardless of its size or the quality of its wood, is of little use to a canoe builder if the log cannot be brought out of the forest.

Tūtū Man's final advice was simple and practical:

"If you can't pull the tree out of the forest, don't cut it down."