Koa Puka Rings: Our Story
Our mission is to handcraft beautiful and unique Koa wood rings that reflect the natural beauty of Hawai’i and will last the test of time.
image credit: Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
Koa • Puka
Koa - a valuable hardwood from the acacia family endemic to Hawai’i. Known for its beautiful appearance and durability, koa is highly prized throughout the world. Koa is significant culturally to Hawai’i for its use in traditional woodworking of canoes, surfboards, musical instruments and weapons. Koa also reflects the spirit of Hawaiian warriors.
Puka - most commonly means “hole” in Hawaiian language, but also has the meaning of “to emerge” or “pass through.”
Born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, local artist Jeremy Milana began handcrafting koa wood rings as a creative outlet and way to expand his skills as a woodworker. Milana finds his inspiration for his koa wood rings from the natural beauty of home.
He grew up bodyboarding, surfing and fishing and has always had a special connection to the ocean. When Milana attended college at Humbolt State University, he began to foster a deep connection with the forest and mountains. He lived on the mainland for nearly 8 years, working for the forest service and snowboarding during the off-season. Eventually, Milana returned home to Kona desiring to be near family and to connect back to his roots.
Milana’s rings reflect the natural beauty of both the ocean (kai) and the mountains (mauna) which he has spent so much time and has immense respect for.
