Akatsuka Orchids - Orchid Board

quiltergal · #1 09-11-2007, 02:32 AM

Akatsuka Orchids was the other greenhouse I visited on the Big Island of Hawaii. It's located in Volcano just before you get to Hilo on the rainy side of the island. This guy leaves nothing to chance. He has a store front but does not allow anyone to wander through the greenhouses. You can look through the glass in the store and see the setup which must have cost him a gazillion $$. It's very cool though. There is a boom with spray heads that runs along a track the length of the greenhouse. It's connected to a water supply that I presume has some fert mixed in. I would have loved to see it in action but both times I've been there it wasn't running. Below is a picture I took last year of the greenhouse. The orchids for sale are all in bloom or spike and very expensive ($40+). I did find a C. Chocolate Drop 'Volcano Queen' not in bloom for $18, and a Hwra. Lava Burst "Puanani" AM/AOS in bloom for $25 to replace one that perished in my son's great greenhouse massacre. I took them to the counter thinking shipping would be similar to Carmela...NOT! Shipping started at $22 and went up from there depending on how many plants you had. I decided that I would have them Ag Bag them and attempt to take them home in my carry on bag. They were in the Ag Bag for a week (we went to Oahu after the Big Island). They told me they could go for up to 10 days in their little plastic bags. And so they did. Both made it home fine but one spike on the Hwra. broke at the tip. It's a neat place to stop if you're ever on the Big Island but keep in mind it's set up as a tourist stop (gift shop and all) and the tour buses show up about every 15 minutes or so. Overall an interesting but overpriced place.

Plant Parenthood · #2 02-24-2018, 06:45 PM

this place is awesome. Here's a video of inside the store. they're by far the healthiest orchids i've seen.

1080p - YouTube

Dollythehun · #3 02-24-2018, 08:24 PM

Quiltergal, if cost is an issue, try Olympic Orchids in WA. I just got a adorable Howerea in spike for $5.00. I paid Sophie's five times that much for the sized plant.

Plant Parenthood · #4 02-24-2018, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Quiltergal, if cost is an issue, try Olympic Orchids in WA. I just got a adorable Howerea in spike for $5.00. I paid Sophie's five times that much for the sized plant.

I didn’t think they were pricey at all. It costs more than trader joe’s or Whole Foods. But for the size orchids they give and how healthy they are, I would definitely order from them again.

I bought some from a local nursery that were more expensive, smaller, and not as good in condition. Plus I had to pay tax since it was local. When I ordered from akatsuka, no tax. You just need to order a bunch to make the shipping worth it. But is ordering more orchid a negative? I’m sure, not on this board. Lol.

JScott · #5 02-24-2018, 11:09 PM

I've bought quite a few plants from Akatsuka, and I have just loved them all. Their prices may be a little bit on the high end of what is reasonable, but they are still within a range I consider reasonable, and for the quality of the plants I have received from them, I think they are definitely worth the price. But yeah, their shipping last time I ordered was 18 dollars for one or two plants, so if you're going to buy one, you might as well just go ahead and buy two since you are already paying the shipping fee

fishmom · #6 02-25-2018, 12:23 AM

Or you can go to a big show. They have come to the Pacific Orchid Expo in San Francisco in the past, although I'm not sure they are there this year. Santa Barbara is coming up. They might be there.

Edited to add: No they are not coming to Santa Barbara. Guess you have to pay that shipping!

SundayGardener · #7 02-25-2018, 11:19 PM

I ordered from Akatsuka last fall, and the orchids I received were big and healthy and in spike. You can often purchase orchids not in spike or blooming for less. I thought the prices were fair, the orchids are still really healthy and looking good.

I thinking shipping from Hawaii to the mainland is what it is, and their shipping is fast. They also do a great job packing their orchids. I've purchased from other places in Hawaii and shipping costs were the same.