The 'Ukulele (pronounced "oo-koo-le-le") was introduced by Portuguese immigrants who migrated to Hawai'i. They were looking for new lives, even more so, work.

The braguinha, "or machete de braga as my ninety-five year old Portuguese Grandmother calls it,"" is still a hit where she is from on the island of Madeira in Portugal. In August of 1879 legend has it that the 'ukulele first arrived in Hawai'i. It is said that upon arrival in Honolulu, a musician named Joao Fernandez strummed his braguinha while singing Portuguese folksongs.

On one of the many ships that arrived in Honolulu Harbor from Portugal, there were three men Augusto Dias, Jose do Espirito Santo and Manuel Nunes. All three were excellent craftsmen. Only one of these three men, Manuel Nunes, pursued building the braguinha. The "baby guitar" was an instant hit with the Hawaiians of yesteryear. 'Ukulele (or jumping flea) was actually a nickname given to the braguinha by the Hawaiians because the fingers of an accomplished player would fly up and down the fretboard similar to a "jumping flea".


King David Kalakaua can be attributed not only with the “Merry Monarch” our annual hula competition, but also the popularity boom of the ‘ukulele. King Kalakaua was an excellent composer and he loved playing his ‘ukulele. So, of course, he made playing the ‘ukulele very fashionable. The 'ukulele grew in popularity. Prior to the 'ukulele, Hawaiians relied mainly on percussion implements to accompany their hula and chant. Now, they had found a perfect way to accompany themselves melodically.


Today, as you well know, the 'ukulele or uke is famous the world over. There are many well-known names that are associated with the 'ukulele. Here in Hawai'i the 'ukulele has had a major resurgence. It is not uncommon to see children playing their ukes at the beach, or at "The Bus" stop. Every accomplished musical group in Hawai'i has at least one or two 'ukulele players. Even in Japan the 'ukulele has gained in popularity by "leaps and bounds".

It gives me great honor to perpetuate both my Portuguese and Hawaiian ancestry, with this true woodworking piece of art, the "'Ukulele"!