The Life in Business: Ali‘i Woodtailors

Tom Sorensen and Paul Endresen are the owners of Ali‘i Woodtailors custom woodworking shop in South Kona. The two master woodworkers became partners and opened their first business in Washington state in1984.

The two men moved to Hawai‘i in 2005 after vacationing here and found the old, well-built Noguchi coffee mill at the edge of Captain Cook. Its history dates back to 1928. They have generous floor space for all the exceptional quality woods, plus saws, sanders, drafting tables and office space needed.

Tom grew up in the woodworking trade in Denmark and Paul earned his master’s of fine arts at the Cornish Institute in Seattle, Washington.

Large contracts for cabinetry, doors and other wood decor require a crew of woodworkers. At times, Ali‘i Woodtailors supports the efforts of students who are completing their experience to attain graduation from European schools. This generous assistance stems from Tom and Paul’s awareness of what it takes to get through the layers of training to become master woodworkers. Of course, local highly skilled woodworkers are also regularly employed.

Fine homes and businesses around the island brag about the heirloom quality of design and production that Ali‘i Woodtailors provide. Clients relish the opportunity to work closely with Tom and Paul to get absolute satisfaction. This is exactly what tailoring is all about.

Ali‘i Woodtailors
One mile South of Kealakekua Ranch Center in Captain Cook on the mauka side of Mamalahoa Hwy.
808-640-2905
Woodtailors@yahoo.com