Platinum X LE T Build to Order

The ʻIwa Manu side sound port is a testament to both function and artistry. Shaped to echo the form of the soaring ʻiwa bird, this feature enhances the player’s experience by providing a direct channel of sound, allowing you to hear the full clarity and projection of your music. Just as the ʻiwa navigates vast oceanic expanses with grace and precision, this sound port elevates your performance by delivering a balanced, immersive tone. It’s a seamless blend of innovative design and Hawaiian inspiration, offering a listening experience that soars alongside your music.

The ʻIwa Manu inlays found throughout the 2025 Platinum and Platinum X honor the journey, vision, and limitless potential of Kanileʻa’s 10th Platinum edition. Ten ʻiwa birds, representing the 10th anniversary, are thoughtfully inlaid on the headstock, fretboard, soundboard, and side sound port — each one a symbol of soaring to new heights.

On the fretboard and soundboard, the ʻiwa are inlaid in Lama, the sacred Hawaiian ebony, a wood revered for its strength and clarity. The birds on the fretboard are depicted in flight, following the Hōkūpaʻa (North Star), embodying guidance and unwavering direction. This motif reflects a journey guided by values, tradition, and a commitment to excellence.

Together, these inlays are a visual and symbolic expression of freedom, exploration, and the heights that can be reached when heritage and innovation take flight. They invite every player to embark on their own journey — one guided by the same spirit that has shaped Kanileʻa for the past decade and beyond.

The Tru-Relief and Tru-Reduction features on the 2025 Platinum and Platinum X represent the pinnacle of Kanileʻa’s commitment to innovation and player-centric design. Tru-Relief delivers a carefully contoured body, ensuring comfort for extended playing sessions by seamlessly accommodating the natural curve of the player’s arm. This subtle yet transformative design invites a more intuitive, immersive playing experience.

Complementing this, the Tru-Reduction soundboard etching technique enhances projection and sustain by selectively reducing material in key areas of the top. This meticulous process allows the wood to resonate more freely, maximizing tonal output without compromising structural integrity. The result is a beautifully balanced instrument with unmatched clarity and responsiveness.

These cutting-edge advancements not only elevate the sound and feel of the instrument but also embody our unwavering pursuit of excellence, giving players a ukulele that feels as extraordinary as it sounds.