Watanabe Floral, Inc. Celebrates 80 Years of Growing Aloha
For 80 years, Watanabe Floral, Inc. has proudly served Hawai‘i as more than just a floral company—we have been a trusted part of life’s most meaningful moments. From weddings and graduations to anniversaries, holidays, and times of remembrance, our flowers have helped generations across the islands express love, gratitude, sympathy, and celebration.
Our Roots
In 1945, Ernest Watanabe, a soldier stationed in Brisbane, Australia, passed the time growing flowers outside his barracks. Missing his fiancé, Shizue, inspired him to think about the many reunions that would take place after the war. Upon returning home, Ernest, alongside his parents and new wife, began growing roses in the backyard of his grandfather’s home. Over time, this small beginning expanded into farms in Hawai‘i Kai, Wai‘anae, Mililani, and eventually Kamuela on the Big Island.
Blossoming into the Future
In 1974, the next generation returned to the business and helped expand operations by adding a wholesale division, officially becoming Watanabe Floral. By the mid-1980s, we moved to our current location off Nimitz Highway in Kalihi and added retail operations. Today, Watanabe Floral has evolved into Hawai‘i’s largest wholesale, distribution, and retail floral operation.
What began as a family business has grown into one of Hawai‘i’s most respected and honored floral companies, known not only for premium products, but for dependable service and strong relationships. While still rooted in family, we now employ over 80 team members across our two O‘ahu locations—each considered part of our ‘ohana.
Our Mission & Values
Watanabe Floral was built on a clear and lasting mission: E Ho‘omau Pono; to endure and persist by doing what is right, with integrity and love. Our longevity is rooted in five core values that guide everything we do:
- Spirit of Aloha (Lots of Love) — We approach every guest, partner, and team member with warmth, kindness, and respect.
- Keeping People First — Being selfless and understanding that relationships matter. We prioritize our team, guests, growers, and community.
- Service Excellence — We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of quality, reliability, and professionalism.
- Cultivating Happiness — Flowers have the power to uplift, bring joy, and connect. We take pride in delivering beauty that makes a difference.
- Continual Improvement — Even after 80 years, we remain committed to learning, innovating, and strengthening our operations to better serve Hawai‘i.
Through economic shifts, industry changes, supply chain challenges, and evolving guest expectations, we have adapted while staying true to who we are. Our success has always come down to teamwork, integrity, and a deep respect for the community that has supported us for eight decades.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we reflect with gratitude—for our guests, trusted partners, and dedicated team members who live our mission every day.
Eighty years strong. Still growing. Still leading. Still bringing happiness to you.
