Forget Tiny Tim. A far cry from the plinky notes produced by that flash-in-the-pan, the ‘ukulele has made recent appearances in the movie soundtracks for both Curious George and Surf’s Up, and contemporary ‘ukulele artist Jake Shimabukuro jams on Jimmy Buffet’s Take the Weather with You. The backbone of traditional Hawaiian music, this unassuming four-stringed instrument is seeing a quiet resurgence of its turn of the century popularity.

Brought to the Hawaiian Islands by immigrants in late 1800s, the Portuguese braghuina quickly became known as the ‘ukulele (pronounced oo-koo-ley-ley). Meaning “jumping flea,” the instrument’s new name is said to be a nod to the way a player’s fingers appeared to hop along the strings.

These days, the ‘ukulele is pure Hawaii, and the islands are home to numerous ‘ukulele builders, sometimes called luthiers. Throughout the islands, luthiers work in private shops or commercial facilities crafting ‘ukuleles that are often works of art as much as they are musical instruments.

On Oahu, you’ll find several shops that offer free tours of their ‘ukulele making facilities. I recommend calling ahead to verify tour times or to make certain that the shop will be open.

Kanile’a ‘Ukulele
46-216 Kahuhipa Street Suite #3
Kaneohe
808-234-2868
Free daily shop tours at 10 am

Kamaka Hawaii
550 South Street
Honolulu
808-531-3165
Free tours Tuesday – Friday at 10:30 am

Ko’aloha ‘Ukulele
744 Kohou Street
Honolulu
808-847-4911
Free mini tours Monday – Friday at 11:00 am and 1:45 pm serviced by the Waikiki Trolley
Full tours require reservation. $15 for visitors 13+; $10 for ages 5-12
Full Japanese/English tours are available at 9:00 am and also require reservations

GString Ukulele Company
99-1451 Koaha Place
Halawa Valley
808-487-1193
Call ahead to schedule a free visit

Ko’olau ‘Ukulele Company
401 N. Cane Street, A-10
Wahiawa
808-622-1064
Call ahead to schedule a free visit