The Best Places to Buy an Ukulele on Oahu
Whether you've just moved to Oahu, been inspired to finally pick up the instrument, or are ready to upgrade from your starter uke, you're in one of the best places in the world to buy a ukulele. Oahu has some genuinely excellent shops — from small specialty boutiques in Waikiki to legendary family-run factories that have been handcrafting ukuleles in Hawaii for over a century.
Here's a rundown of the best places to buy a ukulele on Oahu, and what makes each one worth a visit.
1. The Ukulele Store — Waikiki
📍 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815Visit their website →
If you're looking for the most dedicated ukulele-only shopping experience in Honolulu, this is your spot. The Ukulele Store specializes in handcrafted Hawaiian Koa ukuleles and carries an impressive lineup of brands including Kamaka, KoAloha, Kanile'a, Ko'olau, and more. Beginner sets start around $99 and include a bag, tuner, and chord chart — everything you need to get started.
A bonus you won't find everywhere: they offer free daily group lessons at 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM, so you can try before you commit. Great for beginners who want a little guidance alongside their purchase.
Best for: First-time buyers, tourists, and anyone wanting a full Hawaiian ukulele experience in one visit.
2. Ukulele Lab — Waikiki
📍 307 Lewers St #708, Honolulu, HI 96815Visit their website →
Also in the heart of Waikiki, Ukulele Lab is an authorized dealer for some of the most respected names in Hawaiian ukulele making — Kamaka, KoAloha, and Kanile'a among them. The shop has a boutique feel with knowledgeable staff who can walk you through the differences between soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone sizes without making you feel rushed or overwhelmed.
If you're stepping up from a beginner instrument and want something you'll play for years, this is a great place to spend an hour trying things out.
Best for: Intermediate players and anyone looking to invest in a quality Hawaiian-made instrument.
3. Easy Music Center — Honolulu
📍 Honolulu, HI (check website for current location)Visit their website →
Hawaii's oldest music store — open since 1939 — Easy Music Center is a full-service music shop with one of the largest ukulele selections on the island. With over 120 ukulele models in stock, including an extensive collection of Hawaiian handmade ukuleles from Kamaka, KoAloha, and Kanile'a, this is a go-to for players who want to compare a wide range of options side by side.
Beyond ukuleles, they carry guitars, keyboards, amps, and accessories, making it a solid one-stop shop if you need strings, a tuner, or a new strap while you're there.
Best for: Comparison shoppers and players who want a wide selection under one roof.
4. Kamaka Hawaii — Kalihi (Honolulu)
📍 550 South St, Honolulu, HI 96813Visit their website →
This one is special. Kamaka Hawaii has been handcrafting ukuleles in Honolulu since 1916 — making them the oldest ukulele manufacturer in Hawaii and one of the most respected in the world. Visiting the Kamaka factory and showroom is less like shopping and more like a pilgrimage for serious players.
You can browse and purchase directly from their showroom, and the instruments speak for themselves: these are heirloom-quality ukuleles made with exceptional craftsmanship. If you're ready to invest in something truly special — a Kamaka Koa ukulele is a piece of Hawaiian musical history.
Best for: Serious players and collectors ready to invest in a world-class instrument.
5. Hawaii Music Supply (The Ukulele Site) — Haleiwa, North Shore
📍 66-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712Visit their website →
Worth the drive up to the North Shore. Hawaii Music Supply — the retail home of the well-known online shop The Ukulele Site — is a destination for players who really know what they're looking for. The selection leans toward mid-range to high-end instruments, and the staff are genuinely passionate and deeply knowledgeable.
If you're planning a North Shore day trip (surfing, shrimp trucks, Dole Whip), add this stop to the itinerary. You won't regret it.
Best for: Players who've done their research and want expert help finding the right instrument.
A Few Tips Before You Buy
Try before you commit. Every ukulele sounds and feels a little different. Even two instruments from the same brand and model can vary. Take your time, play a few chords, and buy the one that feels right in your hands.
Size matters. Soprano is the classic small ukulele sound; concert is slightly larger and easier to play for adult hands; tenor has a fuller, richer tone. Ask store staff to walk you through the differences — most are happy to help.
Budget honestly. A solid beginner ukulele runs $80–$150. Mid-range Hawaiian-made instruments start around $300–$500. Handcrafted Koa ukuleles from top makers like Kamaka or KoAloha can run $1,000 and up — and they're worth every dollar if you're serious about playing.
Got Your Ukulele? Now Learn to Play It.
Buying the instrument is just the beginning. If you're an Oahu resident ready to actually learn to play — not just strum randomly and hope for the best — online lessons with a Hawaii-based instructor are one of the most efficient ways to build real skills without rearranging your whole schedule.
At Maui Guitar and Ukulele Lessons, I offer one-on-one online ukulele lessons for beginners and intermediate players across Hawaii. You bring the ukulele; I'll bring the curriculum, the patience, and a genuine love for this music.