Welcome to the World of Kanileʻa ʻUkulele & Guitar
This page is designed to help you better understand our instruments, models, series, sizes, and the options available when choosing a Kanileʻa ʻukulele or guitar. There’s a lot of information here, so feel free to take your time and explore at your own pace.
At the bottom of the page, you’ll find options to shop in-stock instruments or configure a custom order. If you have any questions along the way, our team is always happy to help.
You can reach us at 808-234-2868 or info@kanileaukulele.com. Our shop hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am–3:30pm HST.
An overview of finding the perfect Kanileʻa Model for you!
Step 1
Choose your Size
Step 2
Choose your String Count
Step 3
Choose your Model
Step 4
Choose your Series
Choose Your Size
Compare body proportions visually, then use the notes below to match feel and tone to your playing style.
Tone: Smaller bodies tend to be quieter and higher-pitched. As the body gets larger, you typically get more volume, a deeper voice, and longer sustain.
Comfort: While our nut width is consistent at 1.5" (38mm) across ukulele sizes, scale length and body size change how the instrument feels. Choose what’s most comfortable — you’ll play more and progress faster.
Soprano
ClassicBright, traditional Hawaiian voice with a compact, lightweight feel.
Super Soprano
More roomSoprano body with a longer scale for added comfort and clarity.
Concert
BalancedA popular middle ground with comfort, warmth, and projection.
Super Concert
RoomyConcert body with a longer scale for a more open playing experience.
Tenor
Most popularBigger voice, more sustain, and extra room for advanced techniques.
Super Tenor
More powerTenor scale with increased depth and projection.
Super Tenor 19"
ExtendedExtended scale for maximum clarity, sustain, and spacing.
Baritone
DGBELower register with a warm, guitar-like response.
Guitarlele
6-courseCompact guitar feel with Kanileʻa craftsmanship and broad musical range.
OOO Guitar
25" scaleFull guitar experience in the Kanileʻa world—responsive, familiar, and refined.
Choose Your String Setup
On our 4-course ukuleles (Soprano through Super Tenor 19"), you can choose different string counts and tunings to match your playing style.
Not changeable: Guitarlele, Baritone, and OOO Guitar do not change string counts.
4-String (Standard)
High G or Low GThe classic ukulele setup. Choose High G for a brighter, traditional sound, or Low G for a deeper voice and more bass.
5-String
High+Low GAdds a second string on the 4th course: you get both High G and Low G together for extra shimmer plus low-end support.
6-String
Chorus + sparkleA more “chorused” sound. The 4th course is single (High G or Low G). The 3rd course is doubled (High C + standard C). The 1st course is doubled (Low A + standard A).
Best for: lush strumming, bright “chorus” tone, big presence.
8-String
Double all coursesEach course is doubled. You get the biggest, most shimmering sound with strong projection and a natural “chorus” effect.
Choose Your Model
There are 15 ʻukulele models, and 5 guitar models to choose from and each will provide different aesthetics and different play features. Browse these model descriptions and find one that speaks to you.
K-1
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- The classic Kanileʻa feel and sound that started it all back in 1998
- White Mother of Pearl position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
P-1
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- Kanileʻa pineapple tenor body shape
- White Mother of Pearl position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
D-1
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- Kanileʻa D-shaped soundhole
- White Mother of Pearl position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
HNS
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- Three honu inlaid in pāua abalone on the soundboard (sand inlay on body for Natural Series)
- Tortoise front binding
- Pāua abalone position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
ISL
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- Depiction of the Hawaiian Island Chain inlaid in pāua abalone on the soundboard (sand inlay on body for Natural Series)
- Tortoise front binding
- Pāua abalone position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
KPA
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- Thick pāua abalone rosette with tortoise trim adorning the soundhole
- Tortoise front binding
- Pāua abalone position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
Pōhaku
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- Stone black body stain
- Black front binding
- Ebony rosette
- Red poplar position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
ʻIlikai
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- Horizon-themed multi-color body stain
- Black front binding
- Ebony rosette
- Teal poplar position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
DK
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- Kanileʻa D-shaped soundhole
- Black front binding
- Ebony armrest
- Traditional thin slotted headstock
- White Mother of Pearl position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
KTR
ʻUkuleleKey Features
- Kanileʻa TRU-Relief
- Black front binding
- Phoenix shape thin slotted headstock
- Kailua Beach sand position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
Craig and Sarah T
ArtistKey Features
- Kanileʻa TRU-Relief
- TRU-Reduction
- Ebony bevel cutaway
- Black front and back binding
- Cobra shape thin slotted headstock
- Hibiscus side sound port
- Rosewood and hibiscus scroll sand rosette
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
Willie K ST 19" 5
ArtistKey Features
- Black front binding
- Cobra shape thin slotted headstock
- Willie K signature inlay in Kailua Beach sand
- Sand and black epoxy Maui Tribe rosette
- Ebony bevel cutaway
- Ebony armrest
- 19” Super Tenor 5-string setup
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
Diamond ST
ArtistKey Features
- Black front binding
- Cobra shape thin slotted headstock
- Kailua Beach sand diamond inlay
- Zebrawood rosette
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
Kelly Boy ST
ArtistKey Features
- Maple front binding
- Traditional thin slotted headstock
- Rosewood bevel cutaway
- Rosewood armrest
- Oval side sound port with rosewood trim
- Cocobolo and gold epoxy rosette with Tahitian black pearl accent
- Kailua Beach sand Kelly Boy signature inlay
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
Aldrine T
ArtistKey Features
- Black front and back binding
- Traditional thick slotted headstock
- Kailua Beach sand character inlay
- Aldrine signature in sand on headstock
- Birdseye maple rosette
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa world-renowned TRU Bracing
KG-1 Guitar
GuitarKey Features
- The classic Kanileʻa feel and sound that started it all in 1998, in guitar form
- White Mother of Pearl position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa TRG-X Bracing
KG-2 Guitar
GuitarKey Features
- Pāua abalone rosette
- Tortoise front binding
- Pāua abalone position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa TRG-X Bracing
KSG-2 Guitar
GuitarKey Features
- Solid Sitka spruce top (with solid Hawaiian koa back and sides)
- Pāua abalone rosette
- Tortoise front binding
- Pāua abalone position marker and logo inlays
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa TRG-X Bracing
KG-4 Pro Guitar
GuitarKey Features
- Curly maple front and back binding, plus curly maple tail strip
- Ebony bevel cutaway and comfort armrest
- TRU-Reduction
- Nēnē geese inlay in Kailua Beach sand on the bridge
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa TRG-X Bracing
KG-5 Pro Guitar
GuitarKey Features
- TRU-Relief and TRU-Reduction
- Kanileʻa offset soundhole
- Ebony / Pāua Abalone rosette
- Pāua Abalone purfling (front and back)
- Komo ʻEkolu side sound port
- Ebony bevel cutaway
- UV-cured finishes
- Kanileʻa TRG Bracing
Natural, Core, or Pro — What’s the Difference?
Every Kanileʻa is built with the same craftsmanship, bracing, and playability. The series simply reflect differences in koa grade, finish, cosmetics, and player-focused features. Choose based on how you play, what you value visually, and how far you want to go.
Pure, Simple, Honest
Kanileʻa tone at the most accessible level.
The Natural Series focuses on sound and feel first. You get real Hawaiian koa, minimal cosmetics, and the same build standards as every Kanileʻa.
- Select grade Hawaiian koa with lower visual curl
- Single-layer UV cured natural finish
- Clean, understated appointments
- Same bracing, neck shape, tuners, and setup
The Classic Kanileʻa
Where beauty and balance meet.
The Core Series is what most people picture when they think of Kanileʻa — rich koa figure, glossy finish, and timeless visual appeal.
- Deluxe grade Hawaiian koa
- UV gloss finish
- Signature Kanileʻa details
- Balanced tone and resale value
Built for Players
Maximum response, power, and feel.
The Pro Series pairs Kanileʻa’s highest grade koa with player-focused enhancements. Premium Koa is used on most Pro models, with Master Grade Koa on the DK, KTR, KG-4, and KG-5.
- Premium or Master Grade Hawaiian koa
- TRU-Reduction soundboard etching
- Oval side sound port
- Black TUSQ nut & saddle
- Low-G setup
Order Online or Get in Touch With Us
You can purchase directly from our in-stock inventory, which is always changing due to strong demand worldwide. If you see an instrument you love, we recommend securing it while it’s available.
If the exact model or size you’re looking for isn’t currently in stock, you can order from our full model range using the dropdown menus to configure the instrument that fits you best. Whether it’s a K-1 Tenor Core, KG-1 Pro, KPA Baritone Pro, or D-1 Super Tenor 19" 8-string, every instrument is built with the same care and attention to detail.
For customers looking for something more specific, we also offer a wood pull option. For a fee, our team will hand-select and present three wood sets based on your preferred wood grade, color, and level of visual character, allowing you to choose the set that best matches what you have in mind.
If you have any questions or would like guidance through the process, our team is happy to help. You can reach us at 808-234-2868 or email info@kanileaukulele.com. Our shop hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am–3:30pm HST.
Mahalo from the Kanileʻa Krew
You can see and meet all the faces that bring Kanileʻa ʻUkulele & Guitar to life!
