Peek Into Paiko Hawai‘i’s Lovely New Kaka‘ako Boutique

Photo: Kenna Reed

The transition from one garden season to the next seems an apt metaphor for Paiko Hawai‘i’s current state. 11 years after opening on Auahi St., the botanical boutique that helped kick off Honolulu’s indoor plant craze has uprooted and moved to new digs a few blocks mauka.

There was no one catalyst, says owner Courtney Monahan. Of course, the boom in demand for houseplants and gardening materials caused by the pandemic drove up supply prices. And rent in a tourist-frequented shopping center comes at a premium. Ultimately, it was time for a change.

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Photos: Kenna Reed

Despite being a smidge smaller in square footage, the new location on Halekauwila Street boasts a simpler, easier-to-work-with footprint that makes it feel larger than its predecessor, which had some awkward nooks and fluctuating sublet spaces. “I’m excited to have a blank canvas to create exactly what we need,” says Monahan.

And as it turns out, Paiko Hawai‘i will be in good company. Several Lana Lane Studios tenants are making the same move as their block transforms into Kali‘u, Kamehameha Schools’ new 400-foot-tall mixed-use development.

Photo: Kenna Reed

The space houses the company’s floral workshop, classes and retail area, which includes its cut-flower bar and DIY planting bar. Aesthetically, Monahan opted for concrete-style floor tiles and carried over Paiko’s signature leaf door handles and chic black-and-white palette with its pops of color. Good Lamp Co. woodworker Brennen Cunningham has been tapped to create a gorgeous cash wrap, and Monahan is planning to add a locally designed wallpaper. There’s even talk of a takeout window for floral arrangements. We can’t wait to see what blossoms.

547 Halekauwila St. Suite 106, (808) 988-2165, paikobotanicals.com, @paikohawaii 

Read more stories by Brie Thalmann