Kamaka (Ukulele)

Kamaka Hawaii, Incorporated, also known as Kamaka Ukulele or simply Kamaka, is a Hawaiian family business that manufactures ukuleles.

History

The company was founded in 1916 by Samuel Kamaka ( 1890-1953 ). He was the first built ukuleles in rounded shape of a pineapple (English: pineapple shape). 1928 he patented this form. Today, it is imitated by many other manufacturers.

The company in Honolulu is still family owned. It is the oldest existing Hawaiian Ukulelengeschäft. The company has received various awards and honors for their commitment to the employment of people with disabilities.

Besides Kanilea, Koolau and Kamaka KoAloha is one of the four K- Brands, the premium instruments completely finished in Hawaii. It mainly native koa wood used.

Ukuleles Kamaka of the company are used by many professional musicians, for example, by Jake Shimabukuro, Eddie Vedder and George Harrison. In the movie 50 First Dates Adam Sandler plays a Kamaka ukulele.

Awards

In 2000, Samuel K. Kamaka was inducted into the Ukulele Hall of Fame in 2012 then his sons Sam Kamaka Jr. ( b. 1921 ) and Fred Kamaka Sr. (* 1924).