Kamaka Hawai‘i, Inc. is a manufacturer in Honolulu, HI. Open: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sat–Sun Closed. Phone: (808) 531-3165. Average rating is 4.9 stars from 63 reviews. Website: http://www.kamakahawaii.com/.
Kamaka Hawai‘i, Inc.
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The entrance of Kamaka Hawai‘i, Inc. with signage and hours.
4.9 63 reviews Today 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Handcrafted Hawaiian Ukuleles Since 1916

Four generations of Kamaka craftsmanship, made entirely in Honolulu from genuine Hawaiian koa wood.

About Us

Interior view of wooden instruments displayed on shelves. — Kamaka Hawai‘i, Inc.
Interior view of wooden instruments displayed on shelves.

Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka Sr. started building ukuleles on Oahu in 1916, and the family has never left. Kamaka Hawai'i has operated from 550 South Street in Honolulu for decades, and the third generation still leads factory tours every weekday at 10:30 a.m., no reservation required. That kind of continuity is rare anywhere, and nearly unheard of in American manufacturing.

Every instrument that leaves this shop is built by hand from Hawaiian koa, the same tonewoods that gave the ukulele its distinctive warmth when the instrument first took root on these islands. Visitors who take the factory tour watch the full process unfold, from raw wood to finished instrument, and hear the family's history told by the people who actually lived it. The experience has earned Kamaka a 4.9-star rating across dozens of reviews, with players and travelers alike calling it a must-visit stop in Honolulu.

Kamaka does not mass-produce. Each ukulele is inspected, voiced, and set up by craftspeople who treat the work as a point of personal pride. When you pick up a Kamaka ukulele, you are holding something that could not have been made anywhere else on earth.

What We Offer

Kamaka builds ukuleles across the full range of sizes, from soprano to baritone, with models suited to beginners stepping into a serious instrument and to professional players who demand concert-grade performance. The HF-1 Soprano remains the flagship, a direct descendant of the original design Samuel Kamaka perfected over a century ago. Tenor and concert models expand the lineup for players who want a fuller sound or a longer scale.

The on-site factory store lets you play before you buy, and the staff can walk you through the tonal differences between body shapes and wood grades. Custom and limited-edition instruments are available for players with specific requirements. Kamaka also carries accessories, cases, and branded merchandise for visitors who want to bring a piece of the legacy home without a ukulele under their arm.

The free factory tour runs Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public. No tickets, no reservations, just show up at South Street and spend an hour learning why a Kamaka sounds the way it does.

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What Our Customers Say

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 years ago
"The tour of Kamala’s factory was amazing! Such a great experience to learn about the history of ukuleles, the company’s heritage, and also to see the process of how a Hawaiian uke is made. It’s a great activity for anybody, including those who aren’t ukulele players themselves. Staff are super friendly and they also have some very neat merchandise available."
— Robbie MacMillan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 years ago
"This is a must for ukulele players that having or eventually buying a high-end made in Hawaii ukulele. This factory has been at this location for over a hundred years with a proud legacy and continues to be a family operation. The tour included an introduction to the history of the ukulele in Hawaii. This is not a slick tourist tour, but a real working factory of local workers in a specialty trade. Don’t expect to buy an instrument as they have a backlog of orders - but you will have a chance to play with the instrument of your choice- I choose the pineapple and the eight string tenor. Highly recommend if you’re super into ukuleles."
— Wayne O
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"We were advised by multiple people to come to Kamaka’s tour, M-F at 10:30am, no need for reservations. They've been in the same location since the 50s, felt special to get a tour from the 3rd generation Kamaka himself. The high-end ukes are carefully crafted, and you learn a lot about the production and history! If you enjoy music and production, a great option in Honolulu!"
— Julia Gooding Warner
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Took the factory tour with Chris Kamaka, grandson of Sam Sr. who created the entire operation. You really appreciate the sense of tradition and pride when he shows you how Kamaka ukuleles are made. If you don't leave with an uke, definitely grab some of their merch. Their brand hat with the bended wood rim is super dope!"
— Jokie Tolentino
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 years ago
"What a great tour! First, Uncle Fred (the son of the founder) gave us a history of the ukulele and Kamaka. He is an engaging speaker and passionate about his life's work. After that, his son Fred Jr. walked us through the shop from raw Koa to finished ukuleles. He describe techniques and technology and answered all of our questions. All of the staff was friendly and didn't seem to mind us coming in and taking pictures. It was fun to see where these legendary instruments come to life. Highly recommended."
— Mark Botta

Frequently Asked Questions

When are factory tours available?

Tours run Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. No reservations are needed. Just arrive at 550 South Street in Honolulu before the tour starts.

How much does the factory tour cost?

The factory tour is free and open to the public. It covers the history of the company, the ukulele-making process, and the Kamaka family's legacy in Hawaiian music.

Can I buy a ukulele directly at the factory?

Yes. Kamaka operates an on-site store at the South Street location where you can play and purchase instruments, accessories, cases, and branded merchandise.

What sizes and models does Kamaka make?

Kamaka builds soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles. The HF-1 Soprano is the flagship model. Custom and limited-edition instruments are also available.

Are Kamaka ukuleles made in Hawaii?

Every Kamaka ukulele is handcrafted entirely in Honolulu using Hawaiian koa wood. The company has never moved its manufacturing off the island.

Is Kamaka suitable for beginners or only advanced players?

Kamaka makes instruments across a range of price points and skill levels. Staff in the store can help match you to the right model whether you are just starting out or performing professionally.

How long has Kamaka been at the South Street location?

Kamaka has been at the South Street address since the 1950s and has operated continuously in Honolulu since Samuel Kamaka Sr. founded the company in 1916.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens Tuesday at 8:00 AM
Monday Today 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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