Shortly after the turn of the century, Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka began crafting koa ukuleles from the basement of his Kaimuki, Hawaii home. In 1916, he formed his one-man shop, "Kamaka Ukulele and Guitar Works," and soon established a solid reputation for making only the highest quality ukuleles. Over the decades since, the business grew and Sam's sons took over. To this day, it remains a family run business with many Kamaka family members involved in the production of what are arguably the world's finest ukuleles. As the Kamaka legacy moves forward, it is important to reflect on what has made the company endure. The guiding philosophy at Kamaka Hawaii has always been the candid, but sensible advice handed down from Sam Sr. to sons: "If you make instruments and use the family name, don't make junk." Elderly Instruments was, we believe, the first mainland dealer to sell Kamaka ukuleles, gaining that honor in the mid-1970's. We are proud to be a part of this great company's history.