The ukulele is made from natural resources. “The land is our chief, we are its servants”
Lovely showcase how of the ukuleles are assembled in side of the shop while dedicating the rest of the area to nice ukuleles you could pick up, try out, and purchase. Very vibrant atmosphere and friendly store assistants.
Amazing!!!
Learn to play the ukulele and even purchase one. The staff were very friendly and helped us when we had a question. Will make sure to return again soon and I will get back there soon
Nice people. Sold me a package that didn’t have everything they promised and one of the pegs on the new Ike is loose. Can’t get ahold of them and now I’ve left town. So they earned a bad review
3. Redbox
Address: 54-316 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717, United States , Hau‘ula , Hawaii , United States
We were on our way to a photo shoot and needed some kukui nut leis asap! We stopped and asked the owner if they had some, which he had. He was beyond nice and super helpful. We chatted for a few minutes and ended up giving us all sea shell leis! Even for our brief visit, we felt welcomed for stopping in. Wonderful owner!
Definitely pop in here if youre in the area and looking for some souvineers to take home. Shop owner is super friendly, has time to talk to everyone who comes in. Loved shopping here. Great prices and plenty of options inside. Give it a look and share a smile!
What can I say! amazing customer services and amazing products. It was very lovely to meet the owner and see his shop and the beautiful dresses and clothes he sells and designs. Very awesome hospitality! We will forever come back! Thank you for sharing your lovely knowledge with us.
High prices, but friendly service.
Love this little shop…and Amy…
Decent prices, not much different from other places on the north shore like the Waimea Falls gift shop or the Polynesian Cultural Center shops. Owner of the shop is very nice and great to chat with.
I ordered online from NY, received 1 week later, Very nice product. The sound the smell the touch, we feel the quality. The customer service is responsive despite the time zone difference. Thank you. Continue as it is.
6. The ʻUkulele Site
Address: 66-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States , Hau‘ula , Hawaii , United States
I was blown away by the person service provided by The Ukeulele Site staff. They reached out multiple times, sent videos and FaceTime chats to help me select a beautiful Koaloha Ukulele. From interest to shipping The Ukeulele Site provided such a refreshing and positive personal exerience that is second to none. Mahalo TUS !
Awesome little ukulele store on the north shore! Great service for a ukulele nubie. They gave me a great price for a starter ukulele which I love!
Ok, if you want ukulele come here! Very knowledgeable and helpful. They also carry the K-stand that’s hard to find in shops. Purchased 2 ukulele’s during my visit. Huge selection!
I have been here 3 times buying a ukulele the first time and taking friends the other times and each one bought a ukulele
We just caught a glimps of this place on our way home from shave ice and the shrimp truck today. Because we were on our way back to ukulele lessons at our resort, we decided to make a sharp tirn and check this place out…and boy did we hit the jackpot. As soon as we entered, we were geeeted with a nice hawaiian hello and promptly assisted in finding out which instrument would be best for our hand size and experience. Since we were here for my grandson, we got a really good deal on a ukelele with a gig bag, tuner and extra string to boot. All at a price that didn’t make you feel like you were in the islands. They even gave us a ahort tour of their valuable website full of information and learning videos. I will surely recommend this to my friends and other family who have shown interest in learning to play the ukelele.
Go elsewhere way over priced and the website price is not even close to the actual price they charge in the store .
Giving this place a low rating – not because of the store but because of the property owner. We parked in the lot because we wanted to shop at the store but we were hungry and walked to the nearby food trucks. When we returned, our vehicle had been towed. What was the best intentions to shop here turned into a big inconvenience!
Towing scam. They will tow your vehicle. Stay away from these garbage shops
7. WestSide Music Hawai‘i
Address: 94-239 Waipahu Depot St, Waipahu, HI 96797, United States , Hau‘ula , Hawaii , United States
Fair prices and very helpful. I visited several times and finally walked out with a nice used acoustic guitar.
IF YOU SHOULD REQUIRE ANY REPAIRS AT ALL, MAKE THE WISE CHOICE, THE BEST CHOICE, AND GRADE A SERVICE FOR THE ISLAND OF OAH !!
Owner is down to earth
Dropped off a friend to purchase a guitar
I like this small independent music store as the owner is very friendly and his prices are reasonable. Will definitely be shopping there again
Great staff, small, friendly, and a local business. This place offers a variety of instruments. Prices are competitive with the island. Hosts musical session on certain days. Locals musicians come here to get their gear!!! Plus the owner is renowned musician!
8. Kanileʻa ʻUkulele
Address: 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy Suite #290, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States , Hau‘ula , Hawaii , United States
Sasha gave my ukulele-crazy husband and me a tour of Kanile’a in late June 2019. I sensed that her careful intro to the stages of instrument-building reflected the family’s thoughtful approach to business.
Detailed tour with knowledgeable staff and well made ukes
Are tour was fantastic and the host was over the top with knowledge about there products and playing the ukulele. My reason for four stars is choice of adorable Hawaiian built ukulele.
UPDATE below original post:
This one hurts to write because the ukes are wonderful (5 stars), but the customer service leaves so much be to be desired (2 stars).
Kanile’a makes beautiful instruments. Playable works of art. But where the company falls short is in customer service.
I ordered my ukulele and they shipped it to the wrong address. It tool over an hour on the phone to figure this out and then with nothing more than an apology I had to go to the FedEx store 45 minutes away to pick it up. In the grand scheme of things this one incident isn’t that much, but it continues.
After getting my uke I was in love and I was ready to special order a custom uke. I spoke on the phone with the rep and they said they would call me back after speaking with the Master Luthier on the following Monday. I never go the call back.
Most recently, my uke has had some fret problems that should be covered under warranty. I used their online contact form and never heard back.
I called and spoke with the same CS rep that never called me back earlier and they said they would send me a label to ship the uke for service and they never did. Then when I wrote to ask about the status of label they said that my uke was being evaluated in the shop and they would get back to me. Ummm, my uke is in a box 2500 miles from their shop.
I want to love this company but can’t get over the lack of customer service. The main CS rep for Kanile’a says a lot and doesn’t seem to follow through with what they say. The ukes are great but the CS doesn’t match up and needs to be addressed.
UPDATE 21 Nov 2022:
Following this review I received a call from the head CS rep. They apologized for the errors and quickly sent the FedEx return label. I shipped it back and last Friday I got a call that the uke was repaired and covered by the warranty. Since my family was coming to Honolulu the next day I asked that the uke be sent to the Ala Moana retail location and they agreed. I was told and said it would be available for pick up on Sunday.
I went to the Ala Moana store Sunday afternoon and the uke was not there. I was disappointed but not surprised. I booked ukulele lessons while on the island and now I won’t have my uke for them.
UPDATE 21 December 2022
The fret tang “sprout” has returned and this time Kanile’a have told me that I will have to pay for the shipping both ways to get the uke repaired by them. Last time this fret tangs started protruding they covered shipping. Since this is a manufacturer’s defect I am going to follow another route to get this situation resolved.
9. Guitar Center
Address: 1000 Kamehameha Hwy Suite 200, Pearl City, HI 96782, United States , Hau‘ula , Hawaii , United States
Brada here from Castle highschool, hard worker, got us our p.a system fast in and out, always recommend this store for music needs, already friendly and helpful!
REECE and the boys at guitar center are always so helpful
I ALWAYS have a fun time even if I’m not there to buy anything, I would go so far as to say this is the best Guitar shop I’ve ever been to in my whole life ✨
(and I’ve been to more than a few)
Plenty of Aloha
Much Mahaloz
-Brando
Friendly staff good selection.
Always has a line at the door on weekends.
Pricey but a complete one stop shop!
I like this ok
Commercial…… as poop…… It’s just an emergency place…these coconuts are so off the mark of knowledge.. but the public won’t know…the Players will…… Felt like I was in a walmart, not a music store…..And the lines of BS were pretty funny to listen too…..
Just don’t feel welcome. They rush you out. This covid thing screwing up otherwise great places. Guitar Center has ridiculous rules and Easy music is a lot more relaxed, I’d rather spend more and drive to town that feel rushed
10. Monarch Tattoo Studio
Address: 9648, 53-534 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717, United States , Hau‘ula , Hawaii , United States
We had an awesome experience here. Mike did a wonderful flower on my wife’s hand and Rick did a traditional father tattoo on the back of my arm. The shop is very clean the staff was great. Easy location to get to. We will be planning another trip to the island probably just to come here again. Loved it guys thank you.
The artists here do quality work, seating is comfortable, and the artists are great people. The store is small so be careful about when you go because without a deposit/appointment it is first come first serve. The after care products require cash only buy their smallest tin is only $5 and that can take care of a good size tattoo (bigger than the size of most person’s hands). Great place to get custom work done, and very clean.
While visiting family on Oahu I decided I wanted a honu tattoo. Monarch Tattoo came highly recommended and it truly did not disappoint. I chose Mike Naylor for his custom sea life artwork and my sea turtle is absolutely beautiful!! Clean studio, professional and very talented staff…I am already planning my next visit. Check them out, and I promise you will not be disappointed…they are the BEST!!!!!
I got a fantastic tattoo from Aaron Kia. The shop was clean, and the artists are talented. I would definitely go back again for another tattoo!
I showed up at 3:45, to get a quote, the door was locked and the guys inside looked at me then ignored me. Hours showed they were open. Very disappointed, customer service is kind of lacking.
Wrong fill in on tattoo done (opposite of drawing). Not centered. Not sure if the haole guy was drunk or high when he tattooed me but lines look shakey and who fills in the opposite of what was pictured?!! Charged me $400 for 1hr of actual tattooing on a design that was mostly lines and very little ink fill. Not very skilled imo. Maybe da wahine better but idk I wouldn’t trust
11. Coconut Grove Music
Address: 167 Hamakua Dr #200, Kailua, HI 96734, United States , Hau‘ula , Hawaii , United States
Ron was extraordinary helpful. Initially the hole guy less so but I’ve come to appreciate his style, he gave very helpful opinion regarding use I was considering
Great service! Happy to see them back open in Kailua
This is a little shop, but very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Go check it out!
Great store in a new location after decades here in Kailua. Good prices, helpful, friendly staff and owner, lots of stringed instruments amd accessories. A treasure that saves a trip through all that traffic into town…
12. Goodguys Music & Sound LLC
Address: 619 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States , Hau‘ula , Hawaii , United States
Owner was really nice and helped me pick out a good priced guitar. He always showed me the difference between bass and electric when I told him i was a newbie.
A dear friend recommended this store to me. I bought my KoAloha ukuleles here. This store is named perfectly…great service with great prices.
These guys really are good. Hiko helped me find the perfect ukulele at half the price of Waikiki shops, and we had lots of fun looking at the great collection of old and new instruments and amps for sale. It’s a comfortable old-style music store and they really know their stuff. Even gave us good advice about which bus to take to our next adventure. Really nice and friendly guys.
Great shop. Nice guys. A touch overpriced.
Parking can be a challenge. Decent selection of used gear.
Helpful staff but mostly cheaper instruments.
If you plan on selling them a guitar understand they will only give you 50% of used retail price. Which means they will make 25% profit off you. While you lose 50% profit. Sell your own gear. 50% lose is too much
Bought a pedal there while holidaying in Hawaii, it occurred to me the next day I should buy a good ol’ American pedal, instead of a Chinese pedal, ecspecially while in the states. The staff didnt feel the same, and seemed that it was a big deal to make an exchange. I wouldn’t go back.
Very unhelpful. Asked what ibwas looking for, didnt even look at me. I was looking for hand percussion, drums. Was told he only had egg shakers. There was a drum in the window, and two in front of me. I just figured maybe they weren’t for sell.
