They’re works of art and they've carried the aloha spirit around the world.The Kamaka Ukulele is a Hawaiian cultural icon.
What started nearly a hundred years ago continues going strong with the next generation of kamaka ready to carry on.
Just about everyday Fred Kamaka leads a tour showing where the magic happens.
For decades this small little workshop on South Street has been creating some of the most unique and treasured instruments Hawaii has to offer.
"It hasn't been easy, it's tough, but we continue to be persistent. And try and maintain our consistency. And it's paid off,” said Chris Kamaka.
Chris is the third generation of Kamaka to work in the family factory, and he's not the last.
"My son actually Dustin is working here. He's helping my brother Casey with the specials, and he does a lot of the vintage repairs,” he said.
But this tradition isn't forced on anyone. Chris had thoughts of becoming a pilot not making Ukulele, but apparently it's in the blood.
"After graduating from high school and attending the University of Hawaii and working here part time I really got to enjoy it,” he said.
The art of making this musical instrument has changed quite a bit since Sam Kamaka started handcrafting them in 1916.
"It's computerized, it's the only machine like it in Hawaii,” said Fred Kamaka.
The small shop turns out thousands of ukulele every year, with one milestone still unachieved.
"We never make that 4,000, but the closest we've come is three thousand eight hundred seventy something,” said Fred.
And with 100 years of production fast approaching, you can't help but wonder how long Kamaka Ukulele will continue to make music?
"The music will still be alive, the ukulele is always part of Hawaii and where we live, and family, and hopefully our next generations will continue and keep the Aloha spirit and the music going,” said Chris.
