New Ukulele – ‘Oli Cedar Top Acacia

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO800

I finally pulled the trigger on an ʻOli ukulele that I had been eyeing for a few months, and today it arrived. It is a beautiful cedar top acacia ukulele, and it is absolutely perfect. I bought it from The Ukulele Site in Hawaiʻi and asked them to do a full setup. I also asked if they could send a photo of my ukulele being worked on, and they said, “Can do.” A couple of days later, I received a really cool setup video instead. How awesome is that.

Fast forward to today and the ukulele showed up at my door. Just like I hoped, it is perfect. The action is nice and low, exactly as I requested, and the low G string sounds great. It came strung with Koʻolau Aho fluorocarbon strings. I usually prefer nylon, but these are highly regarded, so I decided to leave them on for now. They actually sound really good. I will probably swap them out eventually, but for the moment I am enjoying them.

This is my first ukulele with a gloss finish, although the neck is satin, and it is absolutely gorgeous. I love the wood grain of the cedar and the soft blonde color. I spent about $800 on this ukulele, which is the most I have ever spent on one, but it is completely worth it. My other ukuleles honestly pale in comparison when it comes to sound, comfort, and overall fit and finish. The ʻOli is definitely a keeper.

Bonus photo of Yuzu enjoying the shipping box:

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/20 sec, ISO640

Pretty Uma

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2.5, 1/20 sec, ISO1600
“Uma Concert” Cedar Park, 2025

I really like the rope binding on my Uma ukulele. This concert-sized ukulele sounds great, but a few weeks ago, the glue connecting part of two pieces came apart. You can’t really see it, but if you press on the seam, you can feel it. I don’t think it affects the sound, but it’s still a bit of a bummer.

Ukulele Shopping and a Catamaran Cruise

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO250
“Dream Ukulele” Honolulu, 2024

This morning, we stopped by Ala Moana Center for some shopping, and I ended up spending quite a bit of time at the Kanile’a Ukulele store. I fell in love with two ukuleles: a concert model with honu inlay and a soprano. Both were stunning, played effortlessly, and sounded incredible! The soprano, in particular, felt perfect in my hands, and with frets extending to the soundhole, I could easily play anything from my current repertoire. Someday, I’d love to make that ukulele mine!

In the afternoon, we went on an amazing 90-minute catamaran ride from Waikiki out around Diamond Head and back. The views were incredible, and as a bonus, they offered free alcoholic drinks – which, of course, we made the most of. What an awesome day!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/2400 sec, ISO40
“Catamaran” Honolulu, 2024