Koa is one of the forest's most prized gems. Koa is a fast growing tree native to Hawaii and is protected by the government and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Currently, the only logs that are commercially harvested for lumber and veneer are those which have fallen through acts of God. The tree ordinarily grows to 50 feet tall but larger specimens have been found. The veneer is often known for the curly figure which is present in much of the koa that is harvested today.