Diospyros sandwicensis is a small, slow-growing tree generally not more than 35 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The new leaves are bright pink or scarlet becoming pale green at maturity. The leaves are longer than they are wide and range in length from 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches. The solitary flowers are relatively inconspicuous and develop at the bases of the leaf stems.