The Polynesian Cultural Center’s Ukulele Experience had its grand opening today, April 29, attended by veteran ukulele builders Fred and Sam Jr. Kamaka, Joe Souza of Kanile’a ‘Ukulele, and others who share a passion for the Hawaiian instrument.“
This is the most important part of our culture we’ve shared with the world,” said Souza during the opening ceremony. “We are honored and humbled to be a part of Hawaii’s No. 1 paid attraction, a place that truly understands the importance of the ukulele to the people of Hawaii.”
The Ukulele Experience is open to the public, free of charge. “Everyone driving around the island is more than welcome to come into the ukulele experience,” said PCC President Alfred Grace.
Eric Workman, who was part of the project from the beginning, said an exhibit on the ukulele was envisioned along with the Hukilau Marketplace. “We couldn’t fit it there, so it’s here,” he said. “We thought it would be good as a service, so guests don’t have to pay a ticket.”
The Ukulele Experience is to the right of the old entrance, past Prime Dining. Inside, people walk around a large partition shaped like an ukulele. The history of the instrument, beginning with Portuguese machete de braga and King Kalakaua’s adoption of the instrument, is displayed on the left, while the process of ukulele construction is on the right.
Koa logs lie on the floor, surrounded by a representation of the forest from which they came. “It takes 80 to 100 years for a koa tree to mature, and ukulele are only made from mature wood,” said guide Tupu Wheeler.
Next is a woodshop, complete with real machinery donated by the company Kanile’a. The ukulele building process is split into three headings: Mill, assembly, and finish. Explanatory videos are at each station for those who want a self-guided tour. The ukulele-shaped partition even has benches so guests can rest while they study the building process.
The sound hole of the giant ukulele partition is a keiki studio, where children can play soprano ukulele, color, and learn a song.
Around the bend, collectable ukulele are in glass cases. One is the sticker-adorned ukulele owned by the late Uncle Benny Kai. A screen above it plays a video of the long-time PCC musician. “We are so happy to have him here,” said Vice President of Sales Kealii Haverly.
The attached gift shop has ukulele wood integrated into the walls. The wall behind the counter, with small blocks of wood and parts of unfinished ukulele, was hand-made by Nola Harbor, said Workman. The gift shop sells sheet music, music CDs, and rows of ukulele. Three acclaimed ukulele builders will sell their ukulele there: Kamaka, Kala, and Kalile’a.
President Grace said, “Thank you to all the craftsmen who continue to perpetuate the culture.”