Monkey pod Tree: Pithecellobium Saman

The monkey pod tree is not only beautiful, but it has a really special presence in Hawaii. The monkey pod tree has a single stalk and branches that spread into a wide canopy. They thrive in the Hawaiian islands, more than any other place. Monkey pod wood is often reported as hard and heavy. In Hawaii and elsewhere in the Pacific where it has been used extensively as a furniture wood, the wood is considered easy to work, particularly because of its low shrinkage during drying.  In Hawaii, monkey pod has been the premier craftwood used for carved and turned bowls, and is prized for its large slabs.  These slabs were salvaged from a fifty year old Monkey pod tree that "had to go" according to its owner.  It was growing deep in the Waipio Valley and was so large, that it had to be milled on site. We have a few of these slabs left.  Prices start at $2500.00 a slab.