UKE Republic Ukuleles

At UKE Republic , we’re proud to offer instruments with more than just good looks and great tone  -  we seek out ukes that tell a story. And KoAloha Ukuleles? Oh, they sing one. From humble beginnings in Honolulu to global recognition, this family-owned company has carved a name into ukulele history - one lovingly crafted koa uke at a time. Born From Reinvention (and a Whole Lotta Heart) In the mid-1990s, Alvin “Pops” Okami, a creative soul with roots in invention and music, shifted gears after his plastics business folded. Armed with ingenuity and aloha, he built a tiny ukulele that actually played. That spark led to the founding of KoAloha  - a name blending “koa,” the prized Hawaiian tonewood, and “aloha,” the spirit behind everything they do. Soon, the whole Okami family joined in. Pops is now senior VP, Pat “Moms” Okami keeps the books, while sons Alan and Paul handle the helm - one as president, the other as KoAloha’s master luthier. From day one, their family-fi...

The Sound of Wood: How Tonewoods Shape Your Instrument’s Voice ( And Why Some Age Like a Fine Wine ) When it comes to acoustic instruments—especially ukuleles—the wood isn’t just decorative. It’s the voice box, the emotional engine, and the reason why no two instruments are truly the same. Whether you're chasing a bright island jangle or a warm, smoky croon, your tonewood sets the mood. And it’s not just about the type of wood—it's also about how it’s crafted. Let’s break down the different types of tonewoods , how solid vs. laminate construction impacts your sound, and why your uke actually gets better the more you play it. 🌳 Solid vs. Laminate: What's the Real Difference? Solid tonewood means the top (and sometimes the back and sides) is made from a single cut of wood—no layers, no tricks. This wood vibrates freely, delivering natural resonance and a tone that matures over time. Yes, you heard that right—solid wood instruments “open up,” becoming warmer, richer...