What Martin & MacArthur is known for

Martin & MacArthur makes koa furniture in Hawaii and sells home furnishings alongside jewellery and accessories. Jon Martin founded the business in 1961, developing a workshop where experienced craftspeople worked with apprentices. Its Kalihi operation connects the furniture business with manufacture, while the wider retail assortment includes products beyond koa furniture.

Martin & MacArthur began in 1961 with Jon Martin's intention to build a furniture workshop in Hawaii. The company's account describes experienced craftspeople working alongside apprentices and journeymen, passing on practical skills within the business. Furniture remains central to its identity, particularly pieces made from koa wood associated with the Hawaiian Islands.

Its history includes work in other timbers before koa became a major part of the range. A report on the company in 2011 places its factory in Kalihi and describes both traditional and simpler furniture designs. That distinction matters when choosing a piece, because the business is not confined to one historic decorative style.

The retail range also includes jewellery and accessories, together with art and other goods for the home. Those categories should be considered separately from the company's own koa furniture when asking about manufacture. Someone planning a furniture purchase can begin with the timber and intended use of the piece. A smaller gift purchase offers a different route through the same retailer without implying an identical production process.