Tree and occasionally shrub form, 1-12 m tall, with shiny, dark green leaves bearing a network vein pattern that appears embossed on the upper surface while the lower surface is smooth and pale green with darker green venation. Flowers are white and fruit is purple-black in color. Hawaiians used kawa`u wood to make wooden anvils for kapa beating. This species can be found in mesic to wet forest areas and open bogs, on all main Hawaiian islands except Ni`ihau and Kaho`olawe.