Furniture theme’s are typically a direct result of a countries times, influence and history. Hawaiian furniture is no different then any other example and originates from a longstanding Hawaiian history and culture.

In order to properly understand Hawaiian themed furniture it is necessary to understand a little bit about the history of Hawaii itself. People are typically misinformed and have incorrect visions of Hawaiian culture when they think of tropical islands and hula dancers. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Hawaii was greatly influenced by the Missionaries that visited in the early nineteenth century. The original Hawaiians were decimated by western disease, and the Islands began to fill with newcomers who began coming from all parts of the globe.

The islands began to become more and more settled and westernized as well as wealthier. European craftsman began bringing furniture for both Royalty and the wealthy to furnish their new large homes which were being built. The pieces of imported furniture included everything that was needed, such as tables, chairs, beds, etc.

Thus began the creation of Hawaiian furniture. Koa was the prime choice of wood used by the craftsman. Koa isa  rich and beautiful wood and extremely sturdy. It was the craftsman choice wood to use due to its culture and influence in the Hawaiian life. Koa was a wood that was unknown to the west and the pieces created from theme retained a very distinct look. The pieces did show a slight Hawaiian culture influence although the direct correlation was with their new European counterparts. The Hawaiian influence in the designs can be found by the rigidity and firm lines changed out to wavey and smooth corners that signify the ocean and waves. Add a little bit of organic body care and you’ve got yourself a Hawaiian dreamland.

Hawaiian furniture was highly sought after and became greatly valued by the people that purchased them. The people that purchased these pieces of furniture were typically fond lovers of Hawaii and enjoyed the influence brought in by them.  Many of the finest pieces of Hawaiian furniture are still owned by the families of their first owners, and rarely come up on the market.

In the present day, Hawaiian themed furniture that keeps true to the original ideals European and local influenced pieces are widely available in Hawaii and elsewhere.