Hawaiian ‘Ukulele and Guitar to Hold Grand Opening

Hawaiian ‘Ukulele and Guitar. Photo courtesy of Queens’ MarketPlace.

Hawaiian ‘Ukulele and Guitar will celebrate its Grand Opening on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in the Queens’ MarketPlace Coronation Pavilion at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Music lovers can enjoy free mini-concerts, a live remote by KAPA radio and the chance to win guitars, ‘ukulele and other prizes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The entertainment lineup will include 2010 Clyde Kindy Sproat Falsetto Contest winner, Hawaiian Singer-Songwriter Ali‘i Keana‘aina and his hālau, Kaleilaniakeali‘i Hula Studio.

The 2016 Junior Hawaiian Idol Michael Hanato is also scheduled to perform, along with Robert Yates, “Uncle ‘Uke” himself, in a special appearance.

“We’re giving away two guitars—one on the radio and one at the Grand Opening,” said Yates. “These are two complete ‘gig packs,’ with electric guitar, amp, and all the cords and straps you need. And we’ll have at least four ‘ukulele from some of our favorite brands and other merchandise from the store.”

With decades of experience building and playing instruments, Yates has connected with some of the best luthiers in Hawai‘i and around the globe. As a result, his shop is a showroom for in-demand brands like Kala, Kamoa, Koaloha and Pono ‘ukulele, plus Cordoba, Guild, Prestige, Jose Ramirez and Breedlove guitars.

Since it opened this spring, Hawaiian ‘Ukulele and Guitar has become one of Kala Music’s “Custom Elite Vendors.” The status allows them to carry Kala’s custom-made instruments, available nowhere else in Hawai‘i.

“We are able to order unique, one-of-a-kind ‘ukulele from Kala, like the 21 Pilots ‘Ukulele,” said Yates. “They are one of the hottest bands in the country, now sponsored by Kala. Theirs uses a combination of three different tone woods for an incredible sound.”

Hawaiian ‘Ukulele and Guitar. Photo courtesy of Queens’ MarketPlace.

“We also have a really nice lap steel by Iseman, the leading lap steel builder in the world,” said Yates. “We have a ‘lute-ulele,’ a ‘Baroque-ulele’ and a ‘balalaika-lele.’ These are custom instruments you won’t see anywhere else.”

In addition to its collection of upper-echelon, professional instruments, Hawaiian ‘Ukulele and Guitar offers more affordable lines for beginners and everyday enthusiasts. The shop also features a large selection of sheet music, CDs and DVDs, strings, picks, tuners, instrument cases, stands, humidifiers and much more.

For more information, visit www.hawaiian-ukulele.com or call 315-2919.