What does hospitality mean to you?
The meaning for hospitality for me focuses on making others feel welcome. A lei is a physical manifest which is part of the Aloha Spirit that encompasses love, compassion, and respect that creates lasting memories. Giving a lei shares the warmth of Aloha for all visitors, family, and friends
Can you explain how types and styles of lei reflect the cultural values of Hawai‘i that the hospitality industry wants to showcase to visitors?
Hawaii has adopted many different flowers and plants which evolved from the different cultures we have today. We at The Orchid Lei Company have specialized in using the orchid blooms and brought it to a higher level of creativity to provide unique and amazing designs.
What challenges do you face while developing and creating products for the hospitality industry?
Working with perishable products is demanding, especially working with distribution and compliances. Our team adapts to challenges and focuses on finding solutions to meet our customers’ needs to receive the freshest products upon delivery.
How does working with “Mother Nature” and satisfying a demand for it shape your business and decision-making?
Working with “Mother Nature” is challenging due to weather changes. With science and technology, we are able to gather information on productivity while creating ways to keep our plants healthy during the changing of the seasons.
What are some of the most unusual or creative floral products your company has provided?
Throughout our 20 years of service, The Orchid Lei Company has created over 250 designs of leis and wristlets. Our favorite design is our stunning Paluna Jewel lei created by our Master Lei Designer. It was created to mirror the Puakenikeni lei which is a popular lei for all occasions. Tinting each orchid bloom explodes its vibrant orange and yellow color which is intricately folded to create one of our most unique lei.
