Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, Big Island

A big, clean, organized and professional orchid retailer. All of the standard, and a few of the not-so-standard, orchid varieties were on display and for sale. They are authorized to seal your orchid for travel according to Agricultural Inspection reqirements and will ship your orchid direct, as well. The saleswoman I dealt with was personable and friendly and helped me by listing a few other good orchid growers in the area. The location is near Volcano, HI and is a fair drive from Hilo, but well worth it. My only contention is not with Akatsuka, but with the tour busses that arrived, unloading some rude, loud, obnoxious individuals that knew nothing about orchids and had no respect for these amazing plants. Call ahead and see if you can visit the retail store when no tour busses will be there! If you are an orchid fancier, this is a great stop on the Big Island.