Founded by Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka Sr. in 1916, Kamaka Ukulele crafts its ukeleles from reddish golden-brown fallen koa trees harvested on the Big Island. Carried across four generations of the Kamaka family, each instrument today is handcrafted by a team of 20 skilled artisans. The luthiers sand, sculpt, brace and build interior tonal struts that form Samuel Sr.’s iconic oval shape of the Pineapple Ukulele or the traditional figure-eight shape.

In 1952, Samuel Jr. established a lasting workshop standard at Kamaka Ukulele by hiring deaf craftspeople who accurately measure sound boxes by drumming their fingers and testing tonal vibrations. This practice continues today as artisans learn how sound feels before trusting their ears. The instruments are finished with intricate inlays on the purfling, rosette, headboards and neck, commemorating milestones like the Hokulea 50th, Sadako Sasaki, Disney Aulani, or custom musician designs.