If you’re looking for a true Hawaiian ukulele, consider choosing an instrument made by Lanikai.
Handmade on the island of O’ahu, these ukuleles offer an enticing combination of classic style, great sound, and premium construction, with many models available at surprisingly affordable prices.
Quick Look at Our Top Pick:
- Good-quality uke and accessories
- Durable
- Made by a reputable company
- Affordable
- Handmade Ukulele
Lanikai LK-TEU Koa UkeSB Ukulele, Gloss Natural
If you’re ready to step up a notch and want to record the music you play on your ukulele, then you may find the Lanikai LK-TEU Koa UkeSB Ukulele enticing. A USB output offers plug and play recording, and gold-plated Grover tuning machines add a gorgeous sheen. This tenor ukulele features a beautiful Koa wood body and genuine mother-of-pearl inlays.
What we liked
- The Fishman Kula Preamp system is an excellent touch; confidently take this ukulele onstage and “wow” an audience
- Beautiful details, including genuine mother of pearl inlays and stunning wood graining
- You can use the USB output to record and share instantly
- This ukulele is also available in soprano and concert sizes with the same attractive looks and outstanding playability
Lanikai LU-21C Concert Ukulele
Offering simple, classic looks and a fantastic sound, the Lanikai LU-21C concert ukulele features a Nato top, back, and sides. Though simpler than some other Lanikai models, this one offers the fantastic tone and excellent playability for which these fine instruments are renowned.
What we liked
- This ukulele arrives equipped with Aquila strings, so there’s no need to upgrade unless you prefer a different brand
- The bundle includes a gig bag, an instructional DVD for new players, and a handy clip-on tuner
- The rosewood fretboard looks and feels fantastic
- White body binding offers plenty of visual contrast and adds to this instrument’s overall good looks
- Geared tuners hold their grip, meaning this instrument stays in tune longer than one without this feature
Lanikai LUSJ-C Concert Mahogany Sailor Jerry Ukulele
Exquisite Sailor Jerry Flash Art adorns the top and back of the Lanikai LUSJ-C Concert ukulele, which pays homage to the late Norman Collins. Constructed of mahogany, it features a rosewood fingerboard. The sound is full and rich, making for an outstanding playing experience.
What we liked
- This is a truly unique instrument in terms of looks and visual details, including exquisite artwork and Norman Collins birth and death dates hand-etched on the fretboard
- Contrasting white body binding “frames” the flash art on front
- Pre-strung with genuine Lanikai by Aquila strings, so you can enjoy a premium playing experience right out of the box
- Excellent quality for the money, particularly as this is a collector’s item
Lanikai TunaUke CMTU-S Ukulele
A beautiful appearance and lovely sound make the Lanikai TunaUke CMTU-S ukulele a pleasure to own and play. This 12-fret soprano ukulele features a gorgeous curly Hawaiian mango body, contrasting maple binding, a mahogany neck, and an iridescent abalone rosette. The adjustable saddle system means that this ukulele can be perfectly intonated, no tools needed.
What we liked
- This is a gorgeous ukulele made with premium components; it offers a classic appearance that’s sure to stand the test of time
- The sound is sweet and delightful: Pure, undiluted ukulele sound that takes your mind on a relaxing journey
- Die-cast tuners and genuine Lanikai by Aquila strings translate to an instrument that offers easy playability, particularly once the strings have settled in
- An excellent step up for someone who is ready to move from a starter uke to an intermediate instrument
- Excellent value for the price
Lanikai CK-TEK Ukulele
A cutaway body and stunning curly Koa top, back, and sides make the Lanikai CK-TEK ukulele stand out. Offering a crisp, classic tone, it features Fishman electronics and die-cast tuning machines geared 14/1 for greater tuning control. If you’re ready to take your playing to the next step, then you’ll want to give this one a look.
What we liked
- This ukulele offers amazing tone and nice sustain; it’s a pleasure to play, and once you get started you might find it difficult to put down
- Affordable price tag given the overall quality – it’s a good intermediate tenor ukulele
- Cutaway body makes for greater accessibility and enjoyment of the ukulele’s full range of notes
- The curly koa wood looks incredible, perfect for anyone who appreciates the traditional look of a true Hawaiian ukulele
- Great onboard electronics including an integrated tuner
Lanikai LU22CGC Concert Ukulele Natural
The Lanikai LU22CGC concert ukulele is a lovely little instrument, with a 4-string concert body, a sleek mahogany top, and a rosewood fretboard with 19 frets. Gold hardware adds a distinctive touch, and white body binding provides appealing visual contrast. Clear, bright sound is the icing on the cake – and something you might be surprised to hear from such an affordable instrument.
What we liked
- This is a very pretty ukulele, with a natural satin finish that feels fantastic in your hands
- Die-cast tuners are a nice touch, plus the instrument arrives with Aquila strings already in place
- Surprising quality considering the low price, particularly as the ukulele offers good intonation and a sweet, classic sound
- Low price and quality components make this an excellent introductory ukulele that will take students to intermediate level and beyond
Lanikai LU-21T Tenor Ukulele
With 18 frets and four die-cast tuners, the LU-21T offers an enticing combination of visual aesthetics and a pleasing sound. A lovely rosewood fingerboard and bridge provides just a touch of contrast, making the Nato wood laminate body stand out. A robust warranty inspires confidence in the manufacturer.
What we liked
- The looks are classic in the best possible way – there’s nothing terribly fancy about this ukulele, but it is made with high-quality materials
- Geared tuners and Aquila strings combine to create an instrument that stays in tune while offering outstanding playability
- This ukulele comes as part of a bundle that includes a tuner and a protective hard case – perfect for traveling without worries
- The sound is fantastic, rich and sweet
- Good choice for a beginner with larger hands, and also a nice step up from a basic soprano or concert ukulele
Click here to read the full review
Lanikai TunaUke SPTU-S Ukulele, Natural
A lovely soprano-sized ukulele, the TunaUke SPTU-S lets you keep proper intonation, no tools needed. 12 frets, a solid spruce top, and mahogany back and sides combine to create lovely looks and a beautiful sound to match.
What we liked
- This ukulele looks and sounds like it ought to come with a higher price tag
- Quality components including Aquila strings and die-cast tuning machines
- The solid spruce top contributes a crisp, clear sound and plenty of beautiful intonation
- While this isn’t the cheapest ukulele out there, it is a good choice for beginners – and it’s nice enough to allow for a smooth transition into intermediate and even advanced songs
Lanikai CKTU-T Curly Koa Tenor TunaUke Ukulele
Just gorgeous, inside and out. The Lanikai CKTU-T curly koa tenor TunaUke ukulele features a traditional curly koa body, a contrasting mahogany neck, and iridescent abalone fretboard inlays, binding, and rosette. Thanks to the adjustable saddle system, players can keep this ukulele perfectly intonated without the help of tools. Both simple and advanced chords are easy to play on this tenor ukulele; the sound is smooth, rich, and melodic.
What we liked
- The adjustable TunaUKE saddle system adds value to this ukulele, imparting greater playability and preventing frustration
- 18 frets on the fingerboard add to an excellent playing experience
- This is a beautiful instrument made with quality components – from the curly koa wood to the abalone inlays, it’s an absolute treat for the eyes as well as the ears
Lanikai The Legacy Collection LU2-8EK Ukulele, Natural
A stunning tenor ukulele that offers an irresistible combination of rich, full-body sound and attractive looks makes the Lanikai The Legacy Collection LU2-8EK an excellent choice for anyone who is ready to take a step up from a more basic ukulele. Fishman Kula Preamp and Chromatic Tuner comes standard, and an all-mahogany body is enhanced by white binding and a rosewood.
What we liked
- This is a really beautiful ukulele in a classic way; from its mahogany body to its white, contrasting binding, it looks lovely
- The slotted headstock design is fantastic – it’s a unique touch that you don’t see on many ukuleles in this price range
- Pretty pearlesque tuners add balance to the overall look
- Onboard electronics add versatility so that you can play as an acoustic or electric ukulele – the chromatic tuner is a nice touch, as is the Fishman Kula Preamp
What Makes Lanikai Ukuleles So Great
Lanikai ukuleles are handcrafted on Hawaii’s island of O’ahu, with many models that pay homage to the first ukulele designs. With instruments that are suitable for every level from hobbyist to professional player, this brand offers a wide range of features and designs to satisfy different budgets.
- Attractive woods, from spruce to mahogany to koa
- Innovative designs including TunaUke technology
- Distinctive motifs, including the very popular Sailor Jerry flash art
- Acoustic and electric models are available
- Most designs come in your choice of soprano, concert, tenor, or baritone size
Pricing
A cheap ukulele may be fine for a beginner, but the tinny, thin sound will soon grow old and such a uke will soon be discarded. Lanikai ukuleles are a pleasure to play, at a wide range of prices that are comparable to other top brands including Luna and Kala.
A few models come in at less than $100, with prices increasing as features and premium materials are added. Whether you’re looking for a basic ukulele that you’ll enjoy playing as you learn, or are ready to progress to a better ukulele that bridges the gap between affordability and stage readiness, you are likely to find a Lanikai ukulele that suits your taste as well as your budget – all while meeting your needs perfectly.
Helpful Resources
If you’re new to the ukulele and want to enjoy playing for friends, family members, or even a live audience at your local coffee house or brew pub, you’ll appreciate this list of resources. Choosing a Lanikai ukulele means you’ll soon own a classic Hawaiian-made instrument that’s worth showing off – so learn how to play a few hits that people will love singing along to. Soon enough, you’ll be the life of the party!
- Books and DVDs – Both are great resources for learning to play, with helpful hints and songs that include lyrics.
- YouTube – YouTube is an excellent source of information, with online tips and hints, plus plenty of songs to play along with.
- Lessons – In person or online, ukulele lessons help you learn correct positioning, plus they give you access to a seasoned player who has been through all the challenges that newer players tend to face.
- Ukulele websites – Believe it or not, there are tons of websites dedicated to the fine art of ukulele playing! Here are just a few to get you started.
- Ukulele Tricks – Great for beginners, with free lessons and more
- Ukulele Buddy – Have fun, and “wow” your friends, even if you have no musical experience
- Learning Ukulele– Chords, tabs, songs, and so much more! Start out with a free lesson \*or two.