Blooming On Kauai

Abby Santos

Abby Santos is the owner of No Ka Oi Landscape Services on the Hawaii island of Kauai. For over 30 years, No Ka Oi has been the leader in commercial landscape maintenance services on Kauai.

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Recent Posts

No Ka ‘Oi: What’s In a Name?

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Simply: the best.

That’s the meaning of No Ka ‘Oi in Hawaiian, and we adopted the name for our Kauai landscaping firm because we set high standards for our work. We want our clients to know that we live up to our name. Being the best means operating a business that is relevant, focused on quality and delivers uncommon customer service—we care about every property as if it were our own.

Here's a look at what No Ka 'Oi means to the No Ka Oi Landscape Services staff. 


Don’t Settle: Qualities to Look For In Your Kauai Commercial Landscape Contractor

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An attractive, thoughtfully maintained landscape speaks volumes about a business. Natural, healthy plantings roll out the red carpet for guests. Lush landscapes set the tone for visitors arriving at high-end Kauai resorts, and shoppers are more likely to pull into a retail plaza and spend money there if the atmosphere is appealing.

Who will you trust to care for and maintain
your Kauai commercial landscape?

Landscape management goes far deeper than curb appeal. Hiring a landscape contractor to care for your Kauai commercial property is a big decision—and a significant investment, depending on the size and scope of your property.

Savvy business owners in every industry know to focus on their talents, and seek out professionals who are experts in their fields to manage other critical tasks. That means sourcing a reputable, high-quality commercial landscape company that will execute on your goals. (Yes, you should absolutely get a return on this investment.)


From Abby’s Desk: Why We Love No Ka Oi's Customers

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Customer relations are a big part of small business management. Challenging as it may be at times, customer satisfaction is key to building a profitable and constructive business relationship. The old adage "the customer is always right" doesn't always fit a modern, 21st-century approach to customer relations. 

This becomes especially true when a longtime account gets a new manager. All the customer relations investment that was established previously may not carry over to the new management. Both customer and vendor have to establish their style and work through expectations until the new relationship is “in sync.” 

Over the years I have learned to take time to get to know new managers and give them space to do things their way. I find, especially after their first crisis, new managers develop an working understanding of why NKO has been a trusted service provider long before their station and will be there when they move on to another position. 


Xeriscaping - Sustainable Gardens

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Xeriscaping is an innovative and creative means of conserving water through the landscape. Xeriscaping is a part of a sustainable approach to landscaping beginning with “Right Plant Right Place.”

Did you know an estimated 50% of water consumption in the average home is used outdoors! With water a most precious and limited natural resource, sustainable landscape service providers and conscious homeowners want to minimize water waste and enjoy a lush beautiful landscape.

Using a Xeriscape concept can save anywhere from 30 to 80 percent in water consumption. Good for the Planet Earth! This concept translates to real dollars savings on water and sewer charges, as well. Good for the property owner!
Think sustainability – How will I plan, plant, and maintain a garden taking advantage of the native growing climate and make efficient use of water.


Xeriscaping - An Innovative Approach to Water Conservation

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More than just an industry buzz word, xeriscaping offers an alternative to maintaining the island’s beautiful landscapes with minimal water waste. You can save anywhere from 30%-80% of outdoor water consumption through xeriscaping. If you are interested in turning your landscape into a xeriscape (or a partial xeriscape), there are several guidelines to follow.