Olona is a small tree that grows in relatively moist sites.
It was cultivated by Hawaiians and produced fine strong "fibers" which were used for making feather capes & marine cordage among many other things. It was the only endemic, non-food crop cultivated by Hawaiians (Abbott 1992). This is a testament to the great value of this plant.

Its "fibers" were especially important in fishing and in other marine activities because they resisted decay. It was the best naval cordage until the onset of synthetics.

Olona "fibers" were extremely important for Hawaiian feather-work. These fibers were extremely thin and strong. Consequently, only a few fibers were needed to make the net, and to bind feathers to it. Olona netting was used for cloaks and helmets. The use of olona was a central feature of Hawaiian feather-work and helped to differentiate it from similar handicraft in Polynesia (Abbott, 1992).