Kanile’a ‘Ukulele opened its flagship retail store in Windward Mall on October 17, 2020. Open seven days a week from 11 am to 6 pm, there will be live performances every Saturday through the year.
Located on the second level near Macy’s, the Kanileʻa ʻUkulele 2,000 square foot showroom boasts a concierge/VIP lounge, a classroom for lessons, and ʻukulele for all ages. Keiki `ukulele start in the $59 to $99 range. Islander beginner instruments (designed by Kanileʻa) range from $115 to $400 with Kanileʻa handcrafted playable masterpieces at $750 and up. All Kanileʻa brand instruments are built in the Kāneʻohe factory located on Kahuhipa Street.
“Being a destination for both locals and travelers has allowed us, as a local family business, to provide an instrument that brings people together, provides happiness, and promotes health and longevity,” said Kristen Souza, founder and president of Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele. “The experience we will provide our client is one we hope lasts a lifetime.”
Celebration of the new retail space continues through the rest of the year with live Saturday performances by some of Hawaiʻi’s top entertainers including Sean Naʻauao, Kolohe Kai, Karlie G, Ke ʻOlu, Kamuela Kimokeo and more.
Store guests will have direct access to professional and collectible instruments designed by and or played by award-winning Hawaiʻi music makers such as the late Uncle Willie K, Kelly Boy DeLima of Kapena, Nā Wai ʻEhā, Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio of Keauhou, Roman De Peralta of Kolohe Kai, Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata and Aldrine Guerrero of Ukulele Underground.
Beside ʻukulele, the Kanileʻa showroom will carry the coveted Islander mini guitar and will introduce the all-new mini electric bass from Japan called the Tiny Boy Bass. There will also be branded apparel and accessories for players of stringed instruments.
Store visitors will be able to sponsor a koa tree through Reforest Hawaiʻi, an organization focused on the restoration, maintenance and protection of Hawaiʻi’s native forests. Kanileʻa ʻUkulele is dedicated to planting 195,000 trees that are never to be live cut, one koa tree for every ʻukulele they build. 18,000 trees have been planted so far.
Kanileʻa ʻUkulele is committed to protecting the community and its employees during this time of celebration. Safety measures will be in place as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including but not limited to:
- hand sanitizer stations at the entrance and throughout the store
- frequent cleansing and disinfecting of surfaces and instruments
- monitored social distancing
- the requirement of CDC-recommended face coverings over the nose and mouth
Full Line Up of Live Performers*:
11/7 Pōmaikaʻi Lyman & family
11/14 Kahanuola Solatorio of Keauhou & Lina Robins-Tamure of ʻUheʻuhene
11/21 Kamuela Kimokeo & friends
11/28 Sean Naʻauao trio
12/5 Craig & Sarah
12/12 Karlie G
12/19 Roman de Peralta of Kolohe Kai
