About Kimo Ukulele

I lost part of my heart to the sea and to Hawaii when I first tried surfing at age 13 in Waikiki. It was only a matter of time before I discovered the musical beauty of the Hawaiian culture including slack-key guitar and ukulele. I have always enjoyed designing and building for my personal use–the guitar and ukulele being no exception.

In 1999, I made the decision to initiate this process and was fortunate to enlist the help of master luthier John Greven. I was thrilled with the instruments I was able to make and intrigued with the process of construction and the design possibilities.

The journey is far from complete since the variables seem limitless. My focus is to produce distinctive, custom ukuleles that are not only pleasing to the ear but emphasize the natural beauty of the woods of the world that I use in construction and to promote that ukulele “fun factor”.

To that endeavor, most of my builds have simple embellishments that will not detract from this natural beauty. My Aloha is in the hand crafting of each custom ukulele.

The tone is SO GREAT I’m loving it.  Your craftsmanship is perfection…

I just wanted to thank you again for the amazing uke.

The new uke is absolutely gorgeous!

This is a stunning instrument.

I love my new uke. . .it sounds delightful.

Thank you for making such gorgeous instruments!

…what a wonderful job you did on my ukulele.

I love my ukulele—it’s gorgeous!!!

…it has given me more joy than any other instrument I have previously owned. I am totally thrilled with this ukulele’s playability and sound.

People around me played it and commented on how easy it was to play, that their fingers just seemed to be guided to their proper place.

…simply exquisite from the woods to the finely crafted details to the superb sound.  We are happy to join the Kimo family.

…I was hooked…incredible warmth and voice.

…at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I knew I could count on my trusty Kimo ukulele.

It has brought me joy every day.

Thank you for building me a great Ukulele.  As for the woods, WOW!

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Kimo’s Philosophy

My mission is to produce distinctive instruments that are not only pleasing to the ear but emphasize the natural beauty of the woods used in construction, and to promote that ukulele “fun factor”.

Latest News

Sugi Wood Tenor Ukulele
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Sugi Wood Tenor Ukulele - For Sale-$1550

I'm always asked if I have a favorite wood.  Not really, I'm still experimenting.  But, here is an ukulele I would want in my collection.  It is the Sugi Wood Tenor Ukulele. Let The Wood Speak For Itself Body:  Hawaiian Grown Japanese…
Sapele and Redwood Tenor Ukulele

Sapele and Redwood Tenor Ukulele - Custom Build-Sold

I'm still working.  Just seems slow for some reason.  Here's the latest to hit the skids.  This is the Sapele and Redwood Tenor Ukulele.  This is a custom build. Let The Wood Speak For Itself Body:  Pomelle Sapele.  This is a super tenor…
Another Big Baritone Ukulele

Another Big Baritone Ukulele - Custom Build-Sold

Here's Another Big Baritone Ukulele. This is one elegant lady!  This is going to be the year of the baritone in my shop for sure. It's All About The Wood Body:  figured Claro Walnut with curly Koa backstrip. Sound Board:  Fort…
Koa Tenor Ukulele and Bearclaw Spruce

Koa Tenor Ukulele and Bearclaw Spruce - Sold

Here's another Koa Tenor Ukulele and Bearclaw Spruce standard build? It's All About the Wood Body:  Krinkle curl Koa.  Can't go wrong with this look.  This is a standard tenor shape. Sound Board:  Canadian, bearclaw Sitka Spruce. …

Ukuleles For Sale

Sugi Wood Tenor Ukulele
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Sugi Wood Tenor Ukulele - For Sale-$1550

I'm always asked if I have a favorite wood.  Not really, I'm still experimenting.  But, here is an ukulele I would want in my collection.  It is the Sugi Wood Tenor Ukulele. Let The Wood Speak For Itself Body:  Hawaiian Grown Japanese…
Curly Burly Tenor Ukuele
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Curly Burly Tenor Ukulele - For Sale $1650

Guess I'm not done with the burl thing yet.  Here's the latest, a  Curly Burly Tenor Ukulele.  This is a standard tenor. It's All About the Wood Body:  Asian Camphor Burl.  Now, I built one out of this wood maybe 2012 but wasn't a…
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