Kamaka Ukulele To know Hawai’i is to know about the ukulele and to know the ukulele is to know about Kamaka Ukulele. Kamaka Ukulele has been producing the world’s finest ukulele for for more than a hundred years. Since 1916 the family has been crafting Hawaiian ukulele in Honolulu for musicians, visitors, celebrities, and maybe even for you. Started by Honolulu resident Sam Kamaka Sr, the factory has always placed a premium on quality from the time Sam was making them in his Kaimuki basement all the way to the present day when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren are continuing the tradition under the supervision of his sons Sam Kamaka, Jr and Fred Kamaka Sr.
Sam Sr, Fred Sr, and Sam Jr are all honored members of the Ukulele Hall of Fame. Sam Sr. invented and patented the famous ‘pineapple’ ukulele way back in 1918. The family has always abided by the wise words of Sam Kamaka Sr. “If you make instruments and use the family name...don’t make junk” - In fact, today, his grandson Chris Kamaka is the quality control officer and rejects one out of every five ukes produced in the factory because of inferior grain, sound defects or other imperfections that would be invisible to the rest of us. There are only seventeen Kamaka produced per day - even with modern techniques at play in the Kaka’ako factory - so you can see that the family still honors the advice of Fred. There would be no Hawaiian Ukulele without the Kamaka family.
Sam Sr, Fred Sr, and Sam Jr are all honored members of the Ukulele Hall of Fame. Sam Sr. invented and patented the famous ‘pineapple’ ukulele way back in 1918. The family has always abided by the wise words of Sam Kamaka Sr. “If you make instruments and use the family name...don’t make junk” - In fact, today, his grandson Chris Kamaka is the quality control officer and rejects one out of every five ukes produced in the factory because of inferior grain, sound defects or other imperfections that would be invisible to the rest of us. There are only seventeen Kamaka produced per day - even with modern techniques at play in the Kaka’ako factory - so you can see that the family still honors the advice of Fred. There would be no Hawaiian Ukulele without the Kamaka family.
 Fred Kamaka Sr. speaking with guests. |  Kamaka Ukulele, Honolulu Hawaii |
If you would like to visit the Kamaka Ukulele factory and meet some of the family, see how these beautiful instruments are made, and maybe even learn how to play a simple tune - just let your Private Tours Hawaii guide know when you are arranging your trip - tours are limited so the earlier we know, the better chance you have of being a part of this family affair.
Kamaka Ukulele
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