During World War II, Ernest Watanabe, a soldier stationed in Australia, grew Roses outside his barracks to pass the time. He often thought about his sweetheart, Shizue, back in Hawaii and how he missed her. After the war, he thought, there would be many romances that would need to be rekindled and families that would need to be consoled.
At war’s end, Ernest returned home and, alongside Shizue and his parents, began growing roses as a service to returning soldiers and their families.
Today, that rose growing business has evolved into a trusted florist that sells directly to the public. We are a company that believes in the spirit of Aloha, Love, Honesty, Teamwork, Communication, Superior Service, and ‘Ohana (Hawaiian for family). At the core of our beliefs is our dedication to Kina’ole or flawlessness. We believe in doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, in the right place, for the right person, for the right reason, with the right feeling THE FIRST TIME!
Today, we employ over 70 people that we consider part of our ‘Ohana. We also continue to provide fresh and creative floral arrangements, including our exciting new elegant Signature line as well as our popular Classical line. In addition, our corporate customers in Hawaii include Wal-Mart, Costco, Foodland, Sam’s Club, Target, JTB, Polynesian Cultural Center and Watabe Weddings. Even with these large customers, our focus and commitment is to make EVERY guest important and special, no matter their needs.
From humble origins and envisioning a bright future, Watanabe Floral is now a testament to endurance and achievement. We are a company that began as a small family business that today still employs Ernest and Shizue’s children and grandchildren. These children (Russell, Leland, and Susan), grandchildren (Jonathan, Emerson, Landon, and Justin), and our entire Watanabe Floral ‘Ohana will carry on our mission and continue the legacy started by Ernest and Shizue: to continue helping people to express their feelings through flowers!
Learn more about us on our website. And enjoy this introduction video!
Watanabe Floral, Inc.
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