[8][9] Thespesia populnea is native to tropical coastlines and is adapted for oceanic dispersal and growth in island environments.

[9] Like the related Hibiscus tiliaceus, it was one of the main sources of bast fibers for the production of cordage and wood for Austronesian outrigger ships and carving.

Though the plant seeds can survive for months on sea currents, no remains of T. populnea have been recovered from Polynesia prior to the Austronesian expansion (c. 5,000 BP), thus it is regarded by some authors as a canoe plant, deliberately carried and introduced by Austronesian voyagers in the islands they settled.

[6] It is popular in Hawaii for woodworking (commonly turned into bowls)[22] because of the range of colours expressed (tan, through yellow, to red).

[23] Since the advent of aluminium-hulled boats in the 20th century, Pitcairners have made regular trips to Henderson Island to harvest miro wood.

In Tonga, its bark is used to treat mouth infections among infants, and its wood is used to make canoes, house parts, and artwork.

In some parts of the world, such as Hawaii and southern India, T. populnea is considered an important species in habitat restoration projects for coastal dry forests.