Island Treasures: Aloha Adirondack—Hilo

By Sara Hayashi

James Sutherland likes to make “old fashioned things that are comfortable and make people smile,” and his simple, beautiful chairs do just that.

Aloha Adirondack chairs are New England style chairs with a Hawaiian feel. James was first introduced to Adirondack chairs by a friend in Costa Rica who gave him the original plans in the mid-90s. He has since improved the classic design by creating a curve in the upper cross-piece that cradles the back for optimal comfort. He also brought the back upright to the ideal angle for eating, drinking, and chatting with visitors.

When he first began, James was working as a firefighter on O‘ahu, where he was born and raised, and made chairs for family and friends in his spare time. After retiring from the State and moving to Hilo, he turned his attention to becoming a better craftsman. He attended the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine in 2010 where he learned to make more complex, traditional designs that he hopes to incorporate into his products in the future.

Aloha Adirondack mainly does custom orders and can also make matching footrests or low tables to fit between the chairs for pūpū and beverages. Wood for each chair is then carefully selected and assembled with stainless steel screws to prevent rusting. This winter, James made his 100th Adirondack chair using beautiful mango wood.

Painted Chairs

These chairs are available in any color of the rainbow and can be custom made to match your deck if you choose. Each piece is painted individually and touched up after assembly for maximum durability against rain and sun.

Repurposed Chairs

These chairs use reclaimed wood—mostly Douglas fir or redwood salvaged from sheds, old houses, and other tear downs—that are still in good condition and would otherwise go to waste. Some chairs are made with more durable wood and can be left unfinished for an older, weathered look.

Clear Finish Chairs

These top-of-the-line chairs are made of native koa, ‘ōhi‘a, milo, kamani, naio, and other rare species or Hawai‘i-grown trees. They are given a clear finish to protect the wood while letting its natural beauty shine through.

Aloha Adirondack offers free delivery anywhere on Hawai‘i Island. You can even arrange to test drive a chair before you buy. Have a seat and relax with Aloha Adirondack!

Aloha Adirondack
34 Spring Street, Hilo
808.961.9095
AlohaAdirondackChair.com