K-1 Model Build to Order

K-1 Series

The Kanileʻa K-1 ʻUkulele embodies the harmony of traditional Hawaiian craftsmanship and modern design. Made with solid Hawaiian Koa for the top, back, and sides, it delivers a vibrant tone and classic island aesthetic. Its solid mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard, bridge, and head plate offer durability and a smooth, comfortable feel. Accented with white Mother of Pearl inlays, the K-1 is available in all finishes, series, and sizes to suit any player. Kanileʻa’s exclusive features—including chrome geared tuners, a Radiused Back, TRU-R Bracing System, and Ebony Bridge Pins—ensure superior sound quality and performance.

Available in all series and sizes.

Pictured above is a K-1 Tenor Pro.

Specs

Body Size	String Count	Soundboard Material	Back & Side Material	Headstock Shape
-	4 String	Natural = Select Hawaiian Koa / Core = Deluxe Hawaiian Koa / Pro = Premium Hawaiian Koa	Natural = Select Hawaiian Koa / Core = Deluxe Hawaiian Koa / Pro = Premium Hawaiian Koa	Kanileʻa Crown Headstock
Tuners	Finish Type	Nut and Saddle	Soundhole	Side Sound Port
Kanileʻa Open Geared Chrome	-	Natural & Core = White NuBone / Pro = Graphite Infused Black TUSQ	Traditional	Oval Available on Pro Series
Fretboard Radius	Bevel Cutaway	Arm Comfort	Headstock Logo Material	Front Position Marker Material
-	-	-	White Mother Of Pearl	White Mother Of Pearl
Rosette Material	Soundboard Inlay	Front Binding	Back Binding	Fretboard Binding
-	-	-	-	-
String Type	Scale Length	Radiused Body	Neck Material	Nut Width
-	-	-	Single Piece Genuine Mahogany	-
Fretboard & Bridge Material	Head Plate	Side Position Marker Material	Purfling	Tail Strip
Ebony	Ebony	White Mother Of Pearl	-	-
Back Strip	Strap Buttons	Electronics	Stain	Case Option
-	-	-	-	-

The Foundation

The K-1 model stands as the very foundation of all Kanileʻa builds, offering everything you need from a Hawaiian-made ʻukulele. It’s a perfect balance of craftsmanship, innovation, and sound. With its solid Hawaiian Koa construction and Kanileʻa-exclusive features, the K-1 delivers a rich, resonant tone that captures the true spirit of the islands. It combines timeless design with modern performance enhancements, like the TRU-R Bracing System and radiused back, ensuring clarity, sustain, and exceptional playability. The K-1 embodies Kanilea’s commitment to quality, offering players a reliable, high-performance instrument that is truly a reflection of Hawaiian artistry.

Marvelous Koa

Hawaiian Koa is an iconic, endemic wood deeply rooted in the culture and history of the islands, known for its vibrant tones and striking visual beauty—qualities that make it the wood of choice for crafting the finest ʻukuleles. At Kanileʻa, we honor this special resource by planting a Koa tree for every ʻukulele we build, ensuring that the future of this treasured wood is as sustainable as the sound it creates. Each instrument is not only a tribute to Hawaii’s legacy but also a step toward preserving its future, one tree at a time.

Player Focused

The K-1 model is designed with player comfort in mind, featuring a 1.5" nut width for easier fretting and smooth playability, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Its elegant ebony head plate adds a touch of sophistication, while the white mother of pearl position markers and logo inlays provide a visually striking contrast that enhances the instrument's refined look. The K-1 combines timeless aesthetics with thoughtful design, ensuring a superior playing experience every time.