Kamaka
Kamaka
Also known as: Kamaka Hawaii, Kamaka Ukulele, Kamaka Ukuleles
UnclaimedKamaka Hawaii is a ukulele manufacturer based in Honolulu, founded in 1916 by Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka, Sr. Working initially out of the basement of his Kaimuki home as Kamaka Ukulele and Guitar Works, Sam built his reputation crafting koa wood ukuleles by hand. In 1928 he patented the oval-shaped pineapple body design, and the resulting Pineapple Ukulele became the company's signature instrume...
Kamaka Hawaii is a ukulele manufacturer based in Honolulu, founded in 1916 by Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka, Sr. Working initially out of the basement of his Kaimuki home as Kamaka Ukulele and Guitar Works, Sam built his reputation crafting koa wood ukuleles by hand. In 1928 he patented the oval-shaped pineapple body design, and the resulting Pineapple Ukulele became the company's signature instrument and remains in the lineup today.
The company is family-run and has passed through four generations of Kamakas. Production stays at the factory and retail store on South Street in Honolulu, where ukuleles are still built using the original body patterns established by Sam Sr. The catalog spans the traditional sizes — soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone — alongside the Pineapple shape, with custom and limited-edition models built from Hawaiian koa.
Kamaka instruments are closely tied to Hawaiian music and have a strong presence among ukulele players worldwide. Jake Shimabukuro is among the best-known artists associated with the brand, alongside Hawaiian musicians such as Raiatea Helm, Herb Ohta Jr., and David Kamakahi.
Kamaka has 2 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Ukuleles. Their gear is featured by 2 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Folk, World, & Country. Notable users include George Harrison and Jake Shimabukuro.
Artists Who Use Kamaka
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