The Legacy
Orchids of Hawaii traces its origins to the end of World War II in Hilo, Hawai‘i, where Mrs. Sam K. (Tsuryo) Oda established a small orchid and fern grotto that would soon grow into something much larger. What began as a three-acre garden opened to the public quickly expanded into a thriving family-run business, with her son, Milton Oda, helping lead its development.
As demand grew, Orchids of Hawaii became a major supplier of floral goods across the mainland United States, sourcing from hundreds of growers while cultivating its own acreage on the Big Island. The company emerged as one of Hawai‘i’s largest distributors of leis, producing well over a million annually, alongside corsages and other floral products that carried a sense of the islands far beyond them.
By the mid-20th century, the brand had extended its presence to New York, operating as both a distributor and promotional voice for Hawai‘i on the mainland. As tastes shifted and Tiki began to decline, Orchids of Hawaii adapted once again—evolving into a full-service supplier for restaurants. Providing mugs, dinnerware, garnishes, chopsticks, and decorative elements, the company helped shape immersive dining environments, particularly within Chinese restaurants, where Tiki found a second life.
Today, Orchids of Hawaii continues that legacy—preserving iconic elements of the past, while evolving with new and creative design, craft, and the enduring desire to create moments of escape.
Our vision
Orchids of Hawaii is founded on the idea that the future of Tiki should be intentional—serving as both design and escape. We work with artists and youth across the South Pacific and Polynesian islands to create pieces shaped by place, material, and lived experience—not surface interpretation. The goal is simple: to make better work, with more meaning behind it. As the brand grows, so does our approach. We collaborate directly, build long-term relationships, and keep the work connected to where it comes from, ensuring that the history, stories, and craftsmanship are never lost.
TThe Work
We present the work as it is—clearly, accurately, and without embellishment. Each piece is shown with the same care it was made, so what you receive reflects exactly what was intended.
