About Us

When Patrick Kawamoto bought his first orchid plant, he was being extravagant. It was 1934, and Patrick was only 14 years old. The Kawamoto's were immigrants to Honolulu, and money was scarce. What few funds the teenager earned by cleaning yards normally went right to his mother.

Patrick was fascinated by the spectacular and mysterious blossoms, which flourished for him in Hawai'i's lush, sweet climate. He became a welder by trade but continued to collect new orchid varieties. Practicing the arts of propagation and cultivation, his collection kept growing. He built greenhouse after greenhouse. Slowly but inevitably, the orchid operation outgrew the 'hobby' stage, and, in 1947, Patrick opened the doors of Kawamoto Orchid Nursery.

Today, the nursery continues the tradition of being family owned and operated. With the nursery's luxurious, sweet-smelling greenhouses, nestled back in cool, green Palolo Valley, just beyond the urban bustle of Honolulu.