Olonā has alternate leaves whose shape greatly varies depending upon the environment from thin lanceolate to broad elliptic.

Olonā is easily cultivated (83% germination rate),[7] and sprouts readily from cuttings, but does not transplant well due to its fragile roots.

[8] Touchardia latifolia is endemic to Hawaii and is found in mesic valleys and wet forests at elevations of 70–1,200 m (230–3,940 ft).

Olonā was used extensively in Hawaiian weaponry: as cordage on the wrist loop of pāhoa (daggers); for fastening shark teeth on the heads of leiomano; and as the cord in "tripping weapons", such as the pīkoi.

[11] Olonā was typically cultivated near an upland stream area which was used to soak the newly harvested fibers between 24 and 72 hours before placing it on long board and using a scraper (sometimes made out of shell or turtle) to remove the excess outer bark.