Ha‘iku Maui Orchids receives top honors at the World Orchid Conference.Ha‘iku Maui Orchids is a smorgasbord for the senses. Crossing the threshold of this botanical masterpiece, I was instantly filled with a giddiness that can only come from the sights and sounds of such abundant natural beauty. The air was heavy with the sweet scent of flowers and rich soil. The 16,000-square-foot greenhouse sprawled before me in an explosion of deep emerald greens, bright fuchsias, royal blues and a host of other rich colors too long to list.
Owners Norman Mizuno and Alan Davidson had just returned from the 19th World Orchid Conference laden with awards. The conference—which brings together orchid growers from 40 countries and 47 states—takes place every four years and is by far the most prestigious one of its kind. Locations for the conferences have spanned the globe, with past events held in France, Taiwan and numerous places in between.
“It’s a pretty big deal to receive these awards,” said Mizuno, as he cast a proud gaze towards the hefty pair of crystal awards, two bronze medallions and ribbons on display near the entrance. The list of achievements is impressive: “Best 100-square-foot U.S. Open Exhibit,” “Best Asian Cymbidium” for Cymbidium Sinense “Waterfield Midnight,” many ribbon awards and two bronze medals for individual orchids: Pleurothalis Anceps and Paphiopedilum Cono-belatulum.
The success was borne from tireless work and over 51 years of growing experience. “It was always a dream of mine [to win these awards],” said Mizuno. He credits his wonderful teachers for instilling in him a passion for creating beautiful flowers.
Ha‘iku Maui Orchids grows everything from orchids grown specifically for the home to unusual and hard-to-find exotics. They’ve received countless awards for their creations, but the recent trophies are by far the highest honor to date, according to Mizuno.
Mizuno and Davidson put down roots on Maui 10 years ago when they moved from Brooklyn to start Ha‘iku Maui Orchids. Back home, the less than tropical weather had them growing plants indoors, and that is what they feel gives them the edge to produce award-winning plants here on Maui. They are accustomed to growing under less than stellar conditions.
“We only grow high-end,” said Mizuno. “Our species are at a very premium level.” One look around is a testament to his words. The greenhouse is packed with blossoms of unimaginable shapes and colors, and not a single one I see is less than breathtaking.
They picked their location off of Kokomo Road because of its higher elevation and cooler temperatures, which allow them to grow more and grow better, according to Mizuno. “It’s not the Wal-Mart philosophy of just buying an orchid to later throw it away,” he said.
Leaving the greenhouse took a great amount of effort. I imagine it’s difficult for anyone to pry themselves away from such a kaleidoscopic plethora of blossoms. You could spend hours in a place like this—methodically taking in each and every one of them. The scent alone is enough to intoxicate me into a near trancelike stupor.
To find out more about Ha‘iku Maui Orchids, visit www.haikumauiorchids.com or call 573-1130. They are open five days a week.