After Kamaka, this is the second most famous ukulele maker in Hawaii (perhaps in the world). To my ear, sound quality is just as good and the prices are just as high ($1000 and up). Free factory tours at 10:30am every weekday show you how they are made. All of the ukulele factories on Oahu use different techniques, so all the tours are worth taking if you are a ukulele fan. Sometimes the showroom has a few factory seconds at discount prices (minor surface blemishes), but not many.
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!
This is the most informative and interesting Ukulele factory tour that I have taken and I have seen the big three. We were led around the factory by the owner – Joe Souza. At the end of the tour, Joe sang us a song and played a 5 string ukulele for us.
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.
We had Ben for our wedding ceremony with the ukulele and he was great! Great communication throughout the booking process and very affordable! Thank you Ben!
My husband and I hired Ben to play during our ceremony and cocktail hour at our wedding and we were very pleased! Communication was easy. He is very talented and our guests really enjoyed him.
I want to get married so I can ask Tioni +Wade to play at the reception. But I have been married three times (same person each time…she’s the love of my life). So talented and versatile. Soulful and smooth. Mahalo for the music!
5. Islander ʻUkulele
Address: 46-216 Kahuhipa St, Kaneohe, HI 96744 , Marine Corps Base Hawaii – MCBH , Hawaii , United States
This place is awesome! I come here to grab a quick bite to eat for lunch sometimes. They have sushi, hot meals (chili and rice dog, orange chicken and rice, and some others) Spam Musubi, chicken musubi, hard boiled eggs and donuts. They also have a slection of cold drinks, chips, sandwhiches, microwave meals. Pretty much like a 7 Eleven.
Pro tip- bring you own 20 oz cup and get a coffee or soda refill for 50 cents.
Awesome sushi available for lunch daily!
Nice place and good food
Pretty good
7. Nicole Saunders CD store
Address: 45-552 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744 , Marine Corps Base Hawaii – MCBH , Hawaii , United States
Great customer service. The owner is very polite and always looking for ways to help you save some extra money somewhere.
Very knowledgeable and helpful! Had everything we needed for our daughters instrument.
A great shop. Much to look at , temptation everywhere for a musician
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.
Helpful staff. Great location for woodwind accessories, reeds and such. Also provides a wide range of classical stringed instruments
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
12. Marina & Outdoor Recreation & Equipment Center
Address: D St, Kailua, HI 96734 , Marine Corps Base Hawaii – MCBH , Hawaii , United States
So glad we got to come here on our trip! Fortunately we had friends in the military who keep their boat here and they took us out to the sandbar which was really cool!
The Marina & Outdoor Recreation facility is one of the overlooked privileges by the active duty military and retirees on Oahu. Facility was greatly expanded a couple of years ago and now sells fishing tackle, rods, reels, snacks and just about anything else you would need for a day at the beach. Biggest advantage is being able to obtain a boat license, rent boats and make trips to the sand bar in Kaneohe Bay!
Staff is always friendly and helpful, lots of small stuff to make your time easier.
Clean, friendly.
The Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe was gracious enough to allow the public in for one day so we could all participate in our Hui Nalu Canoe Regatta with OCHRA called the John D. Kaupiko Race. It was awesome for all the kids to see all of the military planes and helicopters and equipment, tons of parking cool event not really a beach but beautiful water. Super hot out there so bring an umbrella.
Convenient
No one answers the phone for reservations. Called half a dozen times, left 3 messages.
They never answer their phone to make reservations during business hours.
DO NOT BUY PRODUCTS HERE. Overpriced, low quality, and they won’t take it back if it has been used for 30 seconds. Management is ridiculous.
13. Aloha Piano
Address: 46-135 Hilinama St, Kaneohe, HI 96744 , Marine Corps Base Hawaii – MCBH , Hawaii , United States
The Aloha Piano approach for a beginning piano student has been nothing short of amazing. The instructor, Huichen, emphasizes learning a particular piano skill through a combination of storytelling, art and a bit of improvisation. My son was so happy to learn pentatonic, chords, arpeggio and more using this approach. Later, set pieces are introduced that sound great and are within reach of the student. If there is anything confusing in the lesson, Huichen will quickly adjust her approach to make sure the concept is clear to the student. As a result, my son plays the piano with joy and confidence and willingly practices on his own.
For those who have looked for traditional piano lessons, this studio will seem novel and strange. All I can say is my daughter prefers learning piano by this new method and has a repertoire of catchy songs that she can play whenever she wants. She is learning some traditional music reading as well.
After only two months of working with Hueichen Tsai, I’m pleased to say that I’m playing with both hands, and making sense of many terms that I’ve been hearing for three years.
I no longer have notes on my keys as aids in my playing!
Thank you so much, Hueichen, for helping me develop my playing skills, and confidence!
14. Kapena School of Music
Address: 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy #293, Kaneohe, HI 96744 , Marine Corps Base Hawaii – MCBH , Hawaii , United States
If you’re looking for a music school that will foster your child’s musical ability I highly recommend Kapena School of Music! Their school is conveniently located at Windward Mall. There’s lots of sitting room throughout the mall to do work or just hang out and talk stories. I really enjoyed watching my son blossom through the different musical instruments this summer taught by highly skilled artists! Aunty Kalena went above & beyond to schedule a percussion lesson when I double booked another activity. You can see the love that the family has & a passion for what they do! Their Aloha for our keiki shined through their performance at center stage! Demand live music & support locally owned businesses! Our keiki are our future! Sing Loud!!
15. Susan Fukushima Piano School
Address: 46-022 Alaloa St #211, Kaneohe, HI 96744 , Marine Corps Base Hawaii – MCBH , Hawaii , United States
So far, they have always been extremely friend and helpful. The cost savings and convenience are better than you’ll find off base. We haven’t ever had a wait time for service. However, if you’re the only one I there they seem to let you in on their favorites.
Jazz was very informative, hospitable, and patient! Great service with aloha! Thank you Jazz!
No wait and good pricing on entertainment.
17. Redbox
Address: 25 Kaneohe Bay Dr, Kailua, HI 96734 , Marine Corps Base Hawaii – MCBH , Hawaii , United States
Good service, fast and fresh food wherever I stop by! :3
Long lines are expected during the main eating hours. However, sitting at the order microphone at the only drive through line being used should not have you sitting for over 5 minutes without any word from the employee inside. The customer is not expected to initiate the order via the drive thru.
Also forgot items for the order after requesting me to park in the awaiting order stall. Of the five stalls only number 3 had a sign identifying it. Efficiency and upkeep are declining.
Best mcdonalds around the base. Usually busy but they are fast and have yet to disappoint me with order quality.b
Normally quick and they get the order right. It’s McDonalds.
What’s the point of doing a mobile order and going through the drive-thru if they’re going to ask you to park and wait for 20min for your food?!?! This is PATHETIC! McDonald’s management, if you’re reading this, feel free to reply. All of your customers would appreciate it.
They always mess up my order even when they are not busy. Some how some way they mess it up it’s a constant struggle with them, and these employees are very rude. Often times they pretend as though they don’t here you when you ask for something simple like ketchup for one, as my understanding is they are supposed to put ketchup in your bag already, but I guess not…
I swear to god this mcdonalds is trying to break my spirit
A year ago i asked for a burger with no ketchup and they gave me two buns with just ketchup on them. No meat or nothing else. Just ketchup. The order ticket even said *NO KETCHUP*
6 months ago I order a burger with no ketchup and again the order ticket said *NO KETCHUP*
BUT there was ketchup. No mustard tho >:/
TODAY…. I order a burger and I beg, please no ketchup, extra mustard… on the outside of the burger it says *NO KETCHUP* EXTRA MUSTARD
BUT GUESS WHAT,
there was so much ketchup. My burger was oozing and throbbing with ketchup and no mustard. I had a ketchup jelly donut of a burger.
Why was there so much ketchup. Why do you guys hate me. Who are you people and who did i hurt?
Is my request too complex? Do yall look at each other when I order and say “here comes the mustard monster, lets make sure we slap this patty in a ketchup bath” before you all break my heart.
I can not continue to come here.
20. Guitar Honolulu
Address: 46-022 Alaloa St # J1, Kaneohe, HI 96744 , Marine Corps Base Hawaii – MCBH , Hawaii , United States
Great instructor. Reasonable prices for beginners so a person or your child can see if they are interested in playing the guitar. I can’t say enough about this guy offering guitar lessons, who he is as a person.
Great music instructor. A very friendly, kind, and effective teacher.
