 The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau |  Elvis Presley |
The original design of the Hawaiian ukulele came from a combination of several small, guitar-like instruments native to the country of Portugal. This unique instrument is a member of the guitar family and employs four nylon strings. Hawaiian ukulele's are often constructed out of native woods like the koa tree. Ukulele's commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.
The modern day ukulele was first introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by Portuguese immigrants in the late 1800's. From the Hawaiian words uku (gift or reward) and lele (to come), Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last Hawaiian Monarch, remarked that the word ukulele translates into “the gift that came here”.
The modern day ukulele was first introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by Portuguese immigrants in the late 1800's. From the Hawaiian words uku (gift or reward) and lele (to come), Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last Hawaiian Monarch, remarked that the word ukulele translates into “the gift that came here”.
Locally referred to as the "uke", the ukulele has become a common sight in Hawaiian music. Especially, the art of Hawaiian Hula. While visiting the island of Oahu, be sure to visit the Kuhio Hula Show at beautiful Waikiki Beach. This is a free Hula show near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki. The shows are held every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays, weather-permitting from 6:30pm to 7:30pm (6:00pm to 7:00pm Nov-Dec-Jan) and are open to the public.
 |  Ukulele made from Hawaiian koa wood. |
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