46-138 Kahuhipa St, Kaneohe
Two generations of upholsterers on Kahuhipa Street
John Ambrose, “Big John,” started John's Upholstery in 1964. In the decades since it has become a leader in hotel and residential upholstery.
Today the shop is run by his son Ryan and his daughter-in-law, a husband-and-wife team. Ryan answers the questions about fabric and what a frame needs. His wife is the seamstress, and the cushions and pillows that leave the shop pass through her hands.
They are second-generation upholsterers. Their own line for what they do is “Your Trusted Kama'aina Upholstery Expert in Windward O'ahu,” and the rule behind it is shorter: “Restoration, Reuse and Reduce!”
The shop takes on large-volume hotel work, from the bid process to billing, and it takes on a single cushion, a love seat or a sofa just the same.
The year Big John opened the shop
The frame under a tired cover is often the best part of the piece. John's keeps the frame you love and rebuilds what sits on it, new furniture and antique alike, so a chair from the family can stay in the family.
How is John's different from big box stores?
The shop's own answer: “We've earned an excellent reputation based on our years of experience working with new and antique furniture, our personalized service, and our complete commitment to your satisfaction.”
Years of experience with new furniture and with antique furniture, from a koa set to a teak dining table.
ExperienceNew and antique
You talk with Ryan about the fabric and the frame, and his wife sews the cushions and pillows herself.
Personalized serviceRyan and his wife
Their words for it: a complete commitment to your satisfaction, and they stand behind all of their work.
SatisfactionEvery piece
“His seamstress is also his wife, she does amazing work with cushions and pillows.”
Rocky Rawlins, Google review
Bring the piece in on a weekday, or send a photo with rough dimensions and the price comes back before any cloth is cut.
