Our Story
ABOUT
OUR STORY
Abby and Frank Santos founded No Ka Oi Landscape Services in 1977. They founded the company out of their love for the Kauai community and passion for gardening.
“No Ka Oi” means “the best” in Hawaiian, reflecting their commitment to excellence from the beginning. When they started, they focused on providing and maintaining natural beauty for commercial and resort customers on the island.
The company has nearly 50 years of experience in Kauai landscaping, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Over the decades, No Ka Oi expanded its services to include comprehensive commercial landscape maintenance, design, and installation for high-end properties throughout Kauai.
Abby and Frank Santos
Founders
Company Timeline
The company was founded in 1977, with the original name of No Ka Oi Plants.
In 1982, the company added installation services to their offerings.
Services were expanded to include Commercial Landscape Design & Installation and Commercial Landscape Maintenance.
Named Kauai County Small Business of the Year in 1993.
In 2010, the company strategically decided to transition primarily to commercial maintenance services, which comprise approximately 80% of its business.
Named Kauai County Small Business of the Year in 2014.
On January 13, 2017, received the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award.
In February, 2020 No Ka Oi reached a significant milestone when they joined Sperber Companies, a family of professional landscape companies.
Today, NoKaOi Landscape Services is one of the few landscape contractors on Kauai specializing in landscape maintenance for luxury and high-end commercial properties.
Caretakers of Kauai Landscapes
No Ka Oi Landscape Services takes great pride in being the guardian of Kauai’s most treasured landscapes, fulfilling this responsibility with exceptional commitment and attention.
2014 Small Business Person of The Year
As a united front, Sperber Landscape Companies and No Ka Oil Landscape Services have increased capabilities for innovation and solidified our position as market leaders.
The strategic alliance between No Ka Oi Landscape Services and Sperber Landscape Companies enhances our competitive edge by leveraging both organizations’ collective talent and technological resources.
Early Business Evolution
The company actually began as “No Ka Oi Plants” in 1977 when Frank Santos was working in the restaurant industry. The business initially started as a plant rental service for commercial properties for their customers who also had outdoor areas needing maintenance, which led them to expand their services.
Hurricane Challenges
The company faced significant challenges when two hurricanes struck Kauai a decade apart. These devastating natural disasters could have ended the business, but instead of closing shop, these experiences were used to strengthen and grow the company. This resilience became part of the business story and demonstrated the commitment to the island.
Specialty
Today, No Ka Oi Landscape Services is one of the few landscape contractors on Kauai specializing in landscape maintenance for luxury and high-end commercial properties.
The company remains deeply rooted in Hawaiian values, including respect for people and ‘aina (land), protection of resources, and love for family. It actively participates in community initiatives, including annual Maluhia Road clean-ups, and supports environmental care, beautification, youth programs, education, and Hawaiian historic preservation efforts.
A Client-Centric Approach
No Ka Oi has earned a reputation for excellence in the industry through its attention to detail and commitment to sustainability. It continues to be the preferred landscape maintenance provider for many prestigious properties across Kauai, including the Bali Hai Wyndham Resort.
