This tree is called kou and is an indigenous native common to dry coastal areas of the islands.

Kou seeds prolifically and readily establishes at Nā Pōhaku o Hauwahine, where this tree is a dominant one in our forest. Indeed, the hard, round fruit become so abundant around the tree, that they can present a slip hazard on some trails. As a consequence, kou is not much used as a street tree anymore. Instead, the related, Cordia sebestena or Geiger tree, serves this purpose. The Geiger tree is very similar to kou, but is smaller, has soft fruit, and can be distinguished by the much deeper orange flowers and not so shiney leaves.

The Hawaiians used the wood of kou for making bowls and utensils. The flowers were used in lei and the seeds were consumed.