Ms. Kelly’s calm demeanor and patience is a big reason why I recommend her to anyone and everyone that’s looking. I’ve unfortunately heard horror stories of other teachers and trust when I say Ms. Kelly is heaven sent. If you’re not comfortable with dropping off your child, Ms. Kelly does allow you to sit in. After sitting in on a couple months worth of classes, I’ve learned that I’ve become the distraction for my child, so now I just wait outside. Ms. Kelly is very accommodating and also does zoom classes if you can’t make it in person. If you’re thinking about it, get on the wait list now.
My daughter used to see a different piano teacher for a whole year… and I never saw much growth. I play the piano so it was easy to take notice on how well she was doing or not. I eventually moved her to Mrs Kelly Munoz at Pacific Island Notes because she offered in-person while others were only strictly doing virtual piano lessons because of the COVID pandemic.
I saw my daughter make HUGE improvements in just one month with Ms Kelly after not playing for almost a year because of the pandemic shutting everything down. 8 months have passed since first starting with Ms Kelly, and my 8-yr old daughter is now really good at sight-reading music! She plays music that echos beautiful throughout the house and it impresses everyone. The books Ms Kelly uses to teach have really been good for my daughter. If you’re able to get a spot with Ms Kelly as a teacher, take it! Because she’s always booked up. My daughter loves her being her piano teacher. I’ve asked if she ever wanted to go back to her old piano teacher and it’s a hard no for that! Also, she’s located in Makakilo so it’s perfect for ppl on the west side! I no longer have to drive past kapolei to go to piano lessons.
Kelly is a wonderful person and piano instructor to both of our children (ages 9 and 6). We have been with her for 3 years now, and it is incredible to see the improvement in both of our kid’s progressions. She is extremely patient and is able to work with each student at their own pace. She has been flexible and always clear and prompt with any scheduling conflicts or questions. We highly recommend her as an instructor!
3. Kapono Inc.
Address: Kapolei, HI 96709 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
I’ll be going there on Monday, talked with the owner, he was very polite and gave me good instructions. I can’t wait to meet him with my husband. I’ll share this with my friends and family also.
Such a great little shop in a little strip mall. The owner was so friendly and made a great recommendation for my husband’s new ukulele. Definitely recommend this place!
Brandon who works there and the owner are very friendly and help! Awesome place for sure!
I like this small independent music store as the owner is very friendly and his prices are reasonable. Will definitely be shopping there again
Chill guys, good prices. They don’t have a large selection but they do have good quality items. My boyfriend took his guitar in that was totally gutted out and had lots of missing pieces and they fixed it good as new within a week and a half. Great job guys.
Good, helpful and had all what we needed.
5. Sing It Out Music Studio
Address: 91-1050 Nihopeku St, Kapolei, HI 96707 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
We have loved our experience with Raechel and Sing It Out Studio. She makes learning so much fun for her students. She is always happy and positive and my son has loves taking piano lessons! He has been able to learn how to compose his own pieces and enter them in his school reflections program. He has won awards and gained so much confidence with the help of Raechel! Her communication is great and she responds to concerns and questions professionally and promptly. She sends a calendar home so we know three months in advance when lessons are and when breaks and holidays will be. Parents are kept updated on how the student is progressing and succeeding. Overall it’s a fun, positive and amazing learning experience for my son! He loves practicing and has gained a love for music and the piano!
My daughter has taken singing lessons from Raechel for over two years. She has been a major factor in my daughter’s rise in confidence. She would never sing in front of us, and now she sings all the time. My daughter loves her and has learned so much.
We have absolutely loved our experience at Sing It Out Music Studio with Rachael! She has been such an amazing voice and piano teacher for my 16 year old daughter! She is professional, fun, engaging, positive, and is just really good at teaching young students and helping them set and achieve realistic goals in their musical education.
Isabelle has been my piano teacher for about 3 years now and I absolutely love lessons with her ! She has helped me define what music means to me ! I have been able to grow and learn so much from Isabelle. I would definitely recommend Isabelle to anyone ! 🙂
Isabelle is the best! My 8 year old son had a bad experience with a previous piano instructor and was very hesitant to try lessons again with Isabelle. But after the first lesson he was over the moon and already looking forward to class next week. Isabelle has so much patience and explains everything in a way that clicks with the kids.
8. Guitar Center
Address: 1000 Kamehameha Hwy Suite 200, Pearl City, HI 96782 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
I had to return 2 basses from MTD I got shipped here, and and the associate was awesome. On the third attempt, I finally made it out of there with one that works.
Friendly staff good selection.
First time here. Just killing time
Really helpful staff. They will take the time to answer your questions and help you with your shopping.
I was disappointed in the lack of equipment for ukulele, there was no options available for tenor ukulele.
Horrible customer service. Went into this location to buy a guitar that was on stock but not on the floor. Instead of getting it, the guy tells me to come back in a week when someone brings it up front. Really? Lazy and unacceptable.
Poor customer service… instead of trying to help, told to speak to manufacturer on missing item in box. They apparently don’t want to help or stand by a product that they sell, even though I paid extra for warranty.
Tried to buy a ukulele and they tried to sell it without the case that was supposed to come with it. When I asked about the case, they couldn’t find it. Will take my money elsewhere from now on.
0-2 on purchases at this store. Not a good first impression.
9. Hokulea Café, Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina
Address: 92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
Amazing coffee and customer service! I love macchiato there and my son loves their malasada. It is great place for all family.
The best cofffee bar in Ko Olina! And the baristas are the BEST!
Great coffee and pastries. Service is outstanding. The seatting is great with fantastic views. The price is high and it is expensive.
Live music beautiful views and a great relaxing open air bar.
ロビーの近くにあり、眺めのよりお店です
Their infused tea is great. They make it with very fancy machinery O.o
Would give zero stars it I could. Terrible service. Woman at the front counter with the bad eyeshadow was rude.
Pastries that are days old should not be sold in a top level coffee shop like this one!
We visited this coffee shop almost every morning during our vacation last year at Ko Olina. It was a very pleasant experience with good quality drinks and really fresh baked goods with a nice view.
Today we went to this place again in anticipation of a nice breakfast, but unfortunately we were very disappointed. Their croissants, $6 each, were definitely a few days old. Additionally, I ordered Cortado but I received a regular Latte labeled as a Cortado. I don’t think we would want to go back there or recommend this place to anyone else.
10. Easy Music Center
Address: 1314 S King St STE G1, Honolulu, HI 96814 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
Great experience, staff are very helpful, nice variety of guitars, basses, ukuleles, and more. One gentleman, named Ted is very helpful and fixed up my guitar in a matter of 15 minutes (depends on severity of issue) with no cost!!
Very helpful
Iaorana Mr PETER. I’m from TAHITI. Would it be possible to order online and have an instrument delivered on Tahiti? Thank you for your reply.
poor advise bad service
Fairly well stocked music store, with very poor parking facilities for its central location on a very busy main thoroughfare–I have driven into the parking lot several times but never found an open stall there or anywhere in the neighborhood during the middle of the day. Only found an open stall one time to visit the store and bought a few guitar accessories. Fortunately, we have Coconut Grove Music here in Kailua to visit. New website needs a LOT of work compared to mainland vendors, but that’s pretty standard for businesses in Hawaii where webmasters are hired on a monthly part-time basis, it seems…
Large selection of instruments ranging from beginner to expert quality. Sometimes great prices. Very popular store can be very noisy and hard to listen to the instruments, though.
I had them order a keyboard for me they didn’t have in stock. I paid up front and waited to be contacted as to its delivery. After a month i called, they told me should be soon, another week, same story, Another month and another call later and I’m told it was never ordered. Good job guys. It took 4 people to figure that out.
I ordered a $300 dj controller from this place and it arrived with a broken crossfader. I had a local professional dj look at the item to confirm it wasn’t a software issue and after reached out to return the broken item. I was told that Easy Music Center would not accept a return (you have seven days to return broken items) and that I would have to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer does not have the unit in stock so basically I paid $300 for a controller that I won’t receive for 3 months. I definitely won’t be ordering anything from this place again. I’m sure they are great if you live in the island but ordering from them by mail is definitely risky. The only reason this review is not one star is because on a personal level I really liked everyone I spoke to at this place. They definitely have a good vibe, and did contact the manufacturer on my behalf to arrange a replacement for the broken unit they sold me in 3 months
On black friday sales , there was no discount on the 58 michrophones, even if I was going to buy 2 of them, they wouldnt even supply a chord , I went else where and bougth these items, the store should bend a little in there pricing
11. Won yun-kim
Address: HI-92, Honolulu, HI 96792 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
Great little shopping center in Ko’ Olina for little items you forgot. But pricey since it is in a tourist resort area.
Busy but worth it
It’s a bit expensive for what is worth.
Nice little center that provides everything you need. Stores are a little on the pricey side, but can’t really expect anything different being the closest options (right across the street) from Aulani and Four Seasons. There are small stores to shop for clothing as well as a higher end ABC market for groceries, medicine, food and souvenirs. There’s a good coffee shop and an over priced restaurant called Monkey Pod. There’s also an ice cream shop that even my little one observed had lazy employees.
no parking spot. waited 30-45mins. although the sign says 1 hour limit, there is no one leaving.
Times when everything is going up in prices, this strip mall now charges for parking with no validation type of reimbursement from the stores. I’m sure the owner will defend it by saying that they are trying to control parking space availability, but I wouldn’t buy it.
Also, if it’s like a dollar for an hour, I’d be okay, but after charges, 1 hour parking comes out to be like 3 bucks, which is crazy. Stop Nickel and diming every chance you see.
駐車場代が高い
ここの駐車場に停めてアウラニに歩いて行く連中が居るので駐車場はいつも満車。
13. Goodguys Music & Sound LLC
Address: 619 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Would highly recommend this place. I’ll definitely be back.
Terrific service in hea da guys all maika’i
They have everything
Helpful staff but mostly cheaper instruments.
I liked the shop.
Not the biggest but was equipped with good guitars
I am a repeat customer and always enjoyed the friendly service. I have bought several baritone ukuleles of various value and was always satisfied. However, today I spoke with Chris? And confirmed that I wanted to purchase the cheaper of the two that he said they have. At 4:30 pm I called him to let him know that I was on my way. He stated that they were filming inside the store but he would meet me outside and said “I got you” I thanked him. When I got there he informed me that he sold the ukulele!!! I was visibly bummed. He said that the customer had the ukulele in his hand and he didn’t want to tell him no. I asked if they still had the more expensive one ($500) nah was ($200) for real. He said yup, so I told him I would purchase it. I went to the ATM and even paid the additional fee because he said would be more convenient so I said sure. I got back just as he was coming from the back. Ukulele in hand, no case or box or receipt. He even threw in a tuner. I was stocked. In my excitement I tried to tune it as soon as i got to my car. Was having difficulties from the very start. Eventually even with the tuner. Really bummed. I ripped the strings right off the uke. Even burned the tuner with my altered torch. Luckily it was enough to destroy the tuner. If I am not able to get a replacement one, even if it’s cheaper one then I will be handling this matter between Chris and myself(Scott T Kurosu). I was very impressed by Chris’s quick response. I was able to go down the very next day and after hearing my feeliepairedengs about the situation he offered to replace my uke. However I would have to wait for the next delivery. I asked him if he could repair my uke, nothing fancy just as long as it works. He repaired it and also gave me $100 out of his own pocket. I am very grateful and happy. Thank you Chris Aloha & god bless
Won’t shop in a place requiring a mask. even though I have bought stuff in there back during the time that covid was new and there were no mask mandates. Sad truth is I try to shop small local stores especially for music equipment but I will not be available to shop here anymor.
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.
14. Coconut Grove Music
Address: 167 Hamakua Dr #200, Kailua, HI 96734 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Great selection. Best store I’ve found on Oahu.
I came here to buy a guitar about a month ago. They are very friendly and knowledgeable about guitars and ukuleles. They have everything that you need if you play either of the two. I believe that Fender is their main brand.
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…
15. Music Center of Hawaii Inc
Address: 2347 S Beretania St. #200, Honolulu, HI 96826 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
The shop is great. But the entrance is the only funny thing about the shop. Idk how you would get upstairs with a string bass upstairs with any ease. The shop is quite tight as well.
I didnt know you can’t be laughed at cause you didn’t have enough cash on you … How low class can you be ….
They don’t buy used instrument
16. Walmart
Address: 91-600 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
Although this place was busy, we managed to get a seat at the bar. We ordered two of the lunch special which was seafood melt sandwich with potato chips and soup of the day. Our server Catherine and our hostess was great. Always a pleasure.
Reasnable good quality items
The only criticism I have of Walmart if late is low stock on many items. It is to be expected here in Hawai’I. Product must brought in by cargo ship. Having said that, shopping here is pretty pleasant. Good selection when stock is decent; friendly staff and easy checkout. I normally use self check, lines are shorter there.
Friendly staff and quick checkout lines! Very affordable prices!
My favorite store in a different town. Big parking lot. Big store. Arranged similar to the usual Walmart around my town. Found what I was looking for fast. Same great prices. However, needs brighter lighting.
Everything was gone and out of stock
Water was out one day so no restrooms. Employees couldn’t wash hands anywhere do one cashier wore gloves all day and did not drink water at all. Not enough sales clerks on the floor for assistance.
It’s funny how all the shelves are empty but, all the aisles are clogged with employees and their large carts and boxes stocking shelves. WITH WHAT? Also these employees don’t know where items are in their own department and are rude or give you dumb looks when you ask them. Not like the Walmart I used to know. Think I’ll go down the road to Target.
17. KoAloha ʻUkulele
Address: 〒96814 Hawaii, Honolulu, Kona St , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
Friendly staff. Walked in when a local middle school was having a tour. Awesome to see a company offer that to Hawaii Keiki!!! IMUA KoAloha!
Great staff, beautiful instruments!
I had an amazing time with my family doing a tour and a very brief ukulele lesson.
Unfortunately I couldn’t find my ukulele there. There wasn’t that much choice, but I believe it’s mostly because they are exporting ukuleles. Still I have the feeling that they don’t want to sell. I had to ask for a demo.
突然訪問したが商品説明など対応していただき感謝しています。
Perchased a $1100+ KoAloha Koa at Music Exchange at the Big Island in July 2019 and am very very disappointed. It always go out of tune even during use. I tune in before use and while playing, it goes out of tune. I waited to write this review as I was hoping that it gets better hoping the strings are just adjusting…no avail. It appears that the tuners do not fit well and loose. I have two much cheaper mahogany ukuleles, $89 and $295. The $295 does not get out of tune and sounds just about the same as this expensive KoAloha. Hoping to hear from the company as to what they can do about it.
My friend wanted to buy one from KoAloha, so we stopped by around 12:30 during the weekday. It should be open as posted. But the door was closed and no one answered. There were 3 people waiting ahead of us and waited for few more minutes so ended up not purchasing here.
economy mentality moved into family product. They outsourced parts of the productions. Now Koaloha produces in Thailand. not all expensive koaloha ukuleles are original made in hawaii. And thats my fault, i linked that brand to hawaii, therefore i bought an ORIGINAL! KOALOHA ukulele, and after receiving i learned
it was made in thailand.
18. Kanileʻa ʻUkulele
Address: 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy Suite #290, Kaneohe, HI 96744 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
Kanile’a is an amazing family company, with its priorities in the right place. They really live a life full of MUSIC. Every member of the team was an amazing representative of the musical community, global community, and of the great people of Hawaii. Words fail me as I feel they are wholly inadequate, and I can’t yet put it into song. Mahalo!!!!!
We booked a VIP factory tour with Kanile’a Ukulele and it was terrific! From the moment we arrived, the Aloha Spirit was evident in every facet of the tour from the welcoming parking place, the factory floor, and finally the showroom. It was a better than a First Class experience! We had the pleasure of meeting the talented craftsman in their workplaces, and follow the building of ukulele’s from examples of raw Koa wood to the finished product and everything in-between. In addition we had the pleasure of our tour being conducted by non-other than the father and son team of Joseph and Kaimama Souza. We also met Joseph’s wife Kristen. To say the Souza family are passionate about their ukulele’s would be an understatement. The attention to detail in all the areas we witnessed was extraordinarily. We were made to feel more like friends and even part of the extended Souza and Kanile’a Ukulele family. I left with memories of a great experience…..and by the way a new Kanile’a five string tenor. More than Highly Recommended….go and visit this extraordinary company if you are ever in Oahu!
AMAZING… You know they make an incredible instrament when “the Boss” Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio from Keauhou is there having a uke made for just for him!!
Great experience, definitely recommend. Worth the drive. Friendly, warm and knowledgeable staff, The 10:30am tour was the highlight of our day was very informative and helpful.
Limited parking so get there early. Bought a beautiful uke from thier affordable line. Im looking forward to learning to play.
Lots of recommendations for uke lessons near Honolulu and free online lessons as well. Mahalo from the Beckmaniacs♥
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.
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.
19. Goodwill Store and Donation Center
Address: 2140 Lauwiliwili St, Kapolei, HI 96707 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
Awesome staff members. & Always a good spot to go treasure hunting!
great deals, love the items, just not some of the employees. i was in my beach outfit because i had just gotten back from there and the lady greeting me stopped when i walked in and looked at her co worker then back at me with a dirty look and then proceeded to make an indirect comment about my clothing and it made me very uncomfortable.
Very clean store. Everything feels new.
Right on the
Worst phone service ever… cant figure out while their stranded their hmmmmm
Really Goodwill??? Everything is donated to you and not only do u folks sell it at crazy prices you also expect round off donations???!!!! Terrible I swear.
Had a horrible experience at the Kapolei store this morning! No customer service and kept us waiting at checkout and not offer us to go to other register while the long line kept moving around us! Won’t ever go or recommend Goodwill to anyone! Horrible! I also donate to the wahiawa location. I have to think about that now. So disappointed!
20. Costco Wholesale Kapolei
Address: 4589 Kapolei Pkwy, Kapolei, HI 96707 , Ko Olina , Hawaii , United States
It’s a great place the bacon section smells like rotting meat tho
Costco is always the $300 store!!
Light shop fast cash n go
I was very dissapointed. I went to Costco after work. Very tired! Shopped, waited in line. Had my items checked thru the cashier , and as I went to pay for it. The cashier asked me if I wanted to renew my membership because it just expired, additional$ 60. I wasn’t the primary. They wouldn’t. Let me go thru with my purchase. Ass-holes.!!
Came in shop for my mother today because she’s bed ridden just out of the hospital only to find out they expect me to drag her into this shitshow to ring everything up
Somethings that they Have should have a sign on , now theirs a Limit in Certain things?! Its a wholesale place but Not everything you Purchase comes in bulk, The supervisor was Very Rude!!!!!
