Kanileʻa Series: Natural, Core, and Pro
Three clear levels, same Kanileʻa build quality. Choose the series that fits how you play, what you love to see, and how much you want to invest.
Natural Series
Simple, honest, Kanileʻa tone.
Our most accessible series, built with select grade Hawaiian Koa and a natural finish, but the same Kanileʻa construction and playability.
- Select grade Hawaiian Koa (lowest curl).
- Single Layer UV Cured Natural finish.
- Simplest appointments and trim.
- Same Kanileʻa build, bracing, tuners, and setup as higher series.
Best for: Players who want real Hawaiian Koa and Kanileʻa tone at the most friendly price, and do not need fancy cosmetics.
Core Series
The classic Kanileʻa look and feel.
Deluxe grade Koa with a high-gloss UV finish and the signature style most people picture when they think “Kanileʻa.”
- Deluxe grade Hawaiian Koa with more figure and visual “wow.”
- UV gloss finish for shine and protection.
- Signature Kanileʻa details and appointments.
- Balanced blend of beauty, tone, and value.
Best for: Players who want the full Kanileʻa look — beautiful, glossy Koa with classic styling and strong resale value.
Pro Series
Built for players who want every advantage.
Our highest grade Koa plus player-focused upgrades for power, projection, and comfort on stage, in the studio, and at home.
- Highest grade Hawaiian Koa with exceptional figure (Premium grade on K-1, D-1 P-1, HNS, ISL, and KPA... Master grade on DK and KTR).
- TRU-Reduction soundboard etching for improved projection and sustain.
- Oval side sound port for more “monitor” feel while you play.
- Black Tusq nut and saddle for added volume and clarity.
- Low-G string setup for a deeper, fuller tonal range.
Best for: Serious players and performers who want the most responsive, feature-rich Kanileʻa we build.
| Natural | Core | Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koa grade | Select grade koa | Deluxe Koa | Highest grade koa |
| Finish | Single Layer UV Cured Natural (satin) | UV gloss, classic Kanileʻa look | UV gloss, classic Kanileʻa look |
| Visual “wow” | Simple, organic, honest | Shiny, figured Koa, refined | Most striking and detailed |
| Player features | Standard Kanileʻa build | Standard Kanileʻa build | Standard Build + Side sound port, TRU-Reduction, Black Tusq, Low-G |
| Price position | Most accessible | Middle | Top tier |
Every series is built in Hawaiʻi with the same Kanileʻa craftsmanship, bracing, and attention to detail. The differences are in the grade of koa, the cosmetics, and the player-focused features you choose.
All-New 2025 Classifications
Natural Series
The Natural Series honors simplicity and purity, delivering the raw beauty of Koa and the truest tone through minimalist design and a finish that lets the wood breathe and sing.
Core Series
The Core Series embodies the heart of Kanileʻa, where our signature UV gloss finish, and industry craftsmanship come together to create instruments that resonate with beauty, tradition, and excellence.
Pro Series
The Pro Series is where Kanileʻa’s finest craftsmanship meets cutting-edge innovation, delivering instruments that elevate your playing experience to new heights of tone, projection, and performance.
| Model | Natural Series | Core Series | Pro Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-1 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| P-1 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| D-1 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| HNS | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| ISL | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| KPA | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| DK | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| KTR | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| ʻIlikai | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| ʻPōhaku | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
