Kanileʻa ʻUkulele Grand Opening At Windward Mall

KĀNEʻOHE, HAWAIʻI – Kanileʻa ʻUkulele, will be opening its new retail store in Windward Mall this Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 11 am to 6 pm. The event will include a live performance from the award-winning group Kapena along with a grand prize ʻukulele package giveaway.

Located on the second level near Macy’s, the Kanileʻa ʻUkulele 2,000 square foot showroom boasts a concierge/VIP lounge, a classroom for lessons, and ʻukulele for all ages. Keiki `ukulele start in the $59 to $99 range. Islander beginner instruments (designed by Kanileʻa) range from $115 to $400 with Kanileʻa handcrafted playable masterpieces at $750 and up. All Kanileʻa brand instruments are built in the Kāneʻohe factory located on Kahuhipa Street.

“Being a destination for both locals and travelers has allowed us, as a local family business, to provide an instrument that brings people together, provides happiness, and promotes health and longevity,” said Kristen Souza, founder and president of Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele. “The experience we will provide our client is one we hope lasts a lifetime.”

Celebration of the new retail space continues through the rest of the year with live Saturday performances by some of Hawaiʻi’s top entertainers including Sean Naʻauao, Kolohe Kai, Karlie G, Ke ʻOlu, Kamuela Kimokeo and more.

Store guests will have direct access to professional and collectible instruments designed by and or played by award-winning Hawaiʻi music makers such as the late Uncle Willie K, Kelly Boy DeLima of Kapena, Nā Wai ʻEhā, Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio of Keauhou, Roman De Peralta of Kolohe Kai, Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata and Aldrine Guerrero of Ukulele Underground.

Beside ʻukulele, the Kanileʻa showroom will carry the coveted Islander mini guitar and will introduce the all-new mini electric bass from Japan called the Tiny Boy Bass. There will also be branded apparel and accessories for players of stringed instruments.

Store visitors will be able to sponsor a koa tree through Reforest Hawaiʻi, an organization focused on the restoration, maintenance and protection of Hawaiʻi’s native forests. Kanileʻa ʻUkulele is dedicated to planting 195,000 trees that are never to be live cut, one koa tree for every ʻukulele they build. 18,000 trees have been planted so far.

Kanileʻa ʻUkulele is committed to protecting the community and its employees during this time of celebration. Safety measures will be in place as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including but not limited to:

  • hand sanitizer stations at the entrance and throughout the store
  • frequent cleansing and disinfecting of surfaces and instruments
  • monitored social distancing
  • the requirement of CDC-recommended face coverings over the nose and mouth

 

About Kanileʻa ʻUkulele:
Husband-wife team Joe and Kristen Souza founded Kanileʻa ʻUkulele in July of 1998. Joe apprenticed under master luthier, the late Peter Bermudez, learning “uncle Pete’s” traditional Hawaiian building techniques while working to integrate today’s 21st century technologies. This mash up of old and new has proven effective in creating a full-bodied, rich sound that is distinctive of these playable masterpieces. Their three adult sons are now an integral part of the business. Joe collaborates with the youngest, Kahiau, regarding design and production. Kristen mentors their middle son, Iokepa, in administrative operations. Their eldest, Kaimana, oversees Sales and Marketing for both retail clients and dealers around the globe. Together, the Souza family strives to innovate a healthy and creative world through high quality and joyful sounding ʻukulele.

Kanileʻa ʻukulele are available worldwide through authorized dealers and directly from the factory. Tours of the factory have been suspended due to COVID-19 and will resume once it is safe to do so. For more details, call (808) 234-2868 or visit kanileaukulele.com.

About Reforest Hawaiʻi:
Every Kanileʻa ʻukulele AND every Islander ʻukulele built from July 2017 represents a new koa tree in a native Hawaiian forest. Planted on Hawaiʻi Island, these trees are never to be live cut. They are planted to restore the forest, replenish the land’s natural flora and fauna through biodiversity and to support the island’s watershed. The Souza’s commitment to reforestation is evident in their dedication: they have since planted over 18,000 trees as part of their 195,000 goal. Opportunities to sponsor a koa or ʻiliahi (Hawaiian sandalwood) tree are available in the Kanileʻa retail store or online at reforesthawaii.org.

About Windward Mall:
Located at the corner of Kamehameha Highway and Haiku Road in Kāne‘ohe, Windward Mall offers shoppers from the Windward side and beyond a mix of national and local retailers with an emphasis on a family-friendly atmosphere. Anchored by Macy’s and Ross Dress for Less, the mall also features more than 110 stores and eateries. Windward Mall is committed to doing everything we can to protect our community’s health, safety and well-being. The Center continues to monitor the news around COVID-19 and the mandates of public health and the state/local government officials. The health and safety of Windward Mall’s customers, employees and community remain a top priority. More information is available at www.windwardmall.com. Windward Mall is owned by Kamehameha Schools.

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