Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,495

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukelele". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Embrace the enchanting world of Hawaiian music with the Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele, a perfect blend of tradition and craftsmanship. This stunning instrument is crafted from high-quality koa, a wood native to Hawaii, renowned for its rich tonal warmth and striking grain patterns. Whether you're strumming solo or harmonizing in a group, the K-1 Tenor delivers lush, resonant sounds that captivate and inspire.

The ukulele’s sleek design includes an ebony head plate, fretboard, and bridge, offering durability and a smooth playing experience. The UV high-gloss finish showcases the natural beauty of the koa, while the satin neck finish ensures comfort during extended play sessions. With its chrome open-geared tuners, staying in tune is a breeze, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful music.

Equipped with Aquila Corde strings, this ukulele offers excellent playability and sound projection. The NuBone nut and saddle add to its stellar resonance, making it not only a visual delight but a sonic masterpiece as well. Dive into the rich musical heritage of the islands with an instrument that embodies both elegance and sound excellence.

Key Features:

  • High-quality koa body for warm, resonant sound
  • Ebony head plate, fretboard, and bridge for durability
  • Chrome open-geared tuners for easy tuning
  • Equipped with Aquila Corde strings for superior playability
  • NuBone nut and saddle for enhanced resonance
  • UV high-gloss finish with satin neck finish for beauty and comfort

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele, and how does it affect the sound?

The Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele is made from Hawaiian Koa wood, known for its warm, rich, and resonant tonal qualities. This choice of wood provides a balanced sound with a clear, bright top end and a deep, woody bass response.

Is the Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele is suitable for beginners, especially adults, due to its comfortable size and excellent playability. Its quality construction and sound make it an inspiring choice for new players.

What kind of strings come with the Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele?

The Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele is equipped with Aquila Corde strings, known for their durability and bright, clear sound, enhancing the overall tonal quality of the instrument.

How does the TRU-R bracing affect the Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele's sound?

The TRU-R bracing system enhances the ukulele's resonance and sustain, allowing for a fuller and more dynamic sound. It supports the instrument's structure while optimizing the tonal response.

What are the tuning machines on the Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele, and how do they perform?

The Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele features chrome open geared Kanile'a tuners, which provide smooth and precise tuning stability, ensuring the instrument stays in tune during play.

Ken Middleton

Ken Middleton

Kanile'a K1 Tenor Ukulele - Review by Ken Middleton

Video thumbnail for Kanile'a K1 Tenor Ukulele - Review by Ken Middleton by Ken Middleton

Kanile'a K1 Tenor Ukulele - Review by Ken Middleton

Ken Middleton

Ken Middleton

Video thumbnail for Got A Ukulele Reviews - Kanile'a K1 Tenor by GotAUkulele

Got A Ukulele Reviews - Kanile'a K1 Tenor

GotAUkulele

GotAUkulele

Video thumbnail for Kanile'a K-1 Tenor -  The Hawaiian Standard Koa Ukulele by Southern Ukulele Store

Kanile'a K-1 Tenor - The Hawaiian Standard Koa Ukulele

Southern Ukulele Store

Southern Ukulele Store

Video thumbnail for Kanile’a K1 Tenor Ukulele Demo at Aloha City Ukes - K1T - Made in Hawaii by Aloha City Ukes

Kanile’a K1 Tenor Ukulele Demo at Aloha City Ukes - K1T - Made in Hawaii

Aloha City Ukes

Aloha City Ukes

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukelele.

Build quality

  • Kanile’a ukuleles are praised for their warmth, clarity, and sustain, offering a rich tonal quality that stands out among similar instruments.

    Source
  • The instrument includes a solid koa body with an ebony fretboard and bridge, along with an ebony headstock overlay, highlighting premium material choices.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Kanile’a is noted for being more innovative in its ukulele designs, contrasting with Martin's more traditional approach.

    Source
  • Kanile'a ukuleles have a darker, more complex tone compared to Kamaka, which are described as brighter in sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A notable feature of the Kanile’a K-1T is its exceptional sound and playability, often described as superior to many mainland ukuleles.

    Source
  • The Kanile'a K-1 T5 Tenor features a unique double high/low G string setup, providing a fuller sound and the ability to hit both bass and bright tones.

    Source
  • It has a 1.5" nut width and a 17.25" scale length, contributing to its playability and comfort, especially for fingerstyle playing.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Kanile’a for inducing a greater desire to play, with its sound quality enhancing the overall playing experience.

    Source
  • Owners report that the Kanile'a's tone becomes fuller and more complex over time, suggesting a period of breaking in to achieve optimal sound quality.

    Source
  • New owners report that even with limited playing ability, the ukulele sounds great, indicating a forgiving and rewarding instrument for beginners.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Changing to brighter strings like Aquila Nylgut or D'Addario Titanium can enhance the Kanile'a K-1 Tenor's projection and volume.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Living Water strings are highly recommended by owners for potentially improving sound projection and tone on the Kanile'a K-1 Tenor.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Long Term Test - Kanile'a K1 Tenor

gotaukulele.com

The Kanile'a K1 Tenor ukelele shines with its exquisite build quality and rich, woody tone, making it a joy to play. While the hand-rubbed finish shows signs of wear over time, it adds character rather than detracting from its appeal. The most notable downside is the struggle to find the perfect string setup, although the recommended Living Water strings enhance its natural sound beautifully. Overall, this instrument not only performs well but also holds sentimental value for its owner, making it a highly recommended choice for serious players.

positive

Kanile'a K-1 Tenor ukulele - REVIEW

gotaukulele.com

The Kanile'a K-1 Tenor Ukulele is a standout instrument, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and a rich, balanced tone that delights both strummers and fingerstyle players. Its solid Hawaiian Koa construction and lightweight design contribute to its impressive projection and sustain. While some may find its plain aesthetics lacking, this understated beauty appeals to those who appreciate quality over embellishment. The only minor criticisms are the choice of Aquila strings, which might not do justice to its tonal capabilities, and a preference for friction tuners over the provided Grovers. Nevertheless, this ukulele offers remarkable value as a professional-grade instrument, making it a must-have for serious players.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Community setups

Show yours
eddieescalante

eddieescalante

Gear IQ 2038

More Kanile'a Ukuleles

Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele

$140.00 - $199.00

# 1

Rank

Tyler Joseph Brian May Tom Fletcher
4 artists using
Kala Makala Ukulele

$59.99 - $77.00

# 4

Rank

Jon Anderson Fathia Izzati Andrea Corr
3 artists using
Martin Ukulele

$449.99 - $483.00

# 5

Rank

Dean Ween Robbie Robertson David A. Stewart
4 artists using
Kala KA-15S Ukulele

$65.00 - $96.00

# 6

Rank

Rob Scallon Kody Havoc
2 artists using
Kala Rumbler U-BASS FS

$292.79 - $399.99

# 9

Rank

Jacob Collier Nicole Row Scott Devine
5 artists using
Fender Zuma

$125.00 - $209.99

# 10

Rank

Grace VanderWaal
1 artist using
Martin S1 Ukelele

$399.00 - $483.00

# 11

Rank

Adam Gaynor Roy Smeck
2 artists using
Kala KA-TE-C

$199.00

# 15

Rank

Vance Joy
1 artist using
Mitchell ukelele mu-70

$124.99 - $129.99

# 17

Rank

Tessa Violet
1 artist using
Kala Makala MK-S

$55.00 - $65.00

# 22

Rank

 
Kala EBY-TE

$219.00 - $281.00

# 25

Rank

Etienne Fournier
1 artist using
Kala Makala MK-TE

$95.00 - $139.00

# 27

Rank

alpha to omega
1 artist using
Kala Makala Ukulele.

$59.99 - $65.00

# 36

Rank

Pete Cottrell
1 artist using
Ibanez UKS10

$83.59 - $99.99

# 39

Rank

 

Artist usage

Similar

Gear Guides