vintage 1919-22 Kumalae Style 1 Hawaiian Koa Soprano Ukulele, Gold Award Era c. 1919-1922

Here is a beautiful piece of early Hawaiian ukulele history: an original Jonah Kumalae Style 1 soprano, handmade in Honolulu from Hawaiian koa and dating to approximately 1919–1922.

Kumalae was one of the most important makers of the original Hawaiian ukulele boom. This instrument carries the wonderful “Kumalae Gold Award P.P.I.E. 1915” headstock decal commemorating Jonah Kumalae’s award at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The original paper label is also still present inside, identifying Jonah Kumalae, Manufacturer of Ukuleles, 1719 Liliha Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.

This is the classic early Style 1: all-koa construction, narrow-waisted body, simple multi-line soundhole inlay, small bridge and beautifully simple Hawaiian design. The koa has developed a gorgeous warm amber color over more than a century.

For an instrument of this age, it presents beautifully. There is normal age and finish wear, which I’ve tried to show clearly in the photographs. The original wooden tuning pegs have been replaced with more practical friction tuners at some point in its life. There appears to be a repaired crack on the bottom. It seems absolutely solid. 

Most importantly, this isn’t a modern reproduction or a ukulele made to look old. It’s a genuine Hawaiian Kumalae from the first great era of the ukulele, now more than 100 years old.

A wonderful instrument for a vintage ukulele collector, Hawaiian music enthusiast, or someone who wants an authentic piece of early ukulele history that can still be enjoyed as an instrument.