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Original Post By:
Ten_Ukes
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Date: 9/1/2010 4:03:49 PM
(Updated: 9/1/2010 4:11:27 PM)
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| We're considering a family vacation in Hawaii (Mom, Dad, and One Year Old) with the feature of buying a nice Uke while we are there. Knowing nothing about vacationing in Hawaii, or purchasing ukuleles for that matter, can anyone guide us as to where we can shop for ukes while vacationing in surrounding areas? |
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Posted By:
BeachBumTom
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Date: 9/1/2010 7:05:55 PM |
| The most basic thing you need to tell us is WHERE "in Hawaii" are you going? Each island in Hawaii is different and each has good ukulele shops, ukulele factories, and places to go listen to ukulele music, etc. So, which is it.....Oahu, Maui, the Big Island (Hawaii), Kauai, Lanai, or Molokai? Help (input) will be on the way. Aloha, BBT
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Posted By:
Ten_Ukes
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Date: 9/1/2010 7:19:24 PM |
| Well, not knowing anything about Hawaii, I wouldn't know which island(s) to visit yet. I can tell you that we don't want over stimulation with big hotels etc, and we don't want rural either. Somewhere nice with amenities for visitors without being overdone, and someplace suitible for our one year old. We have enough stimulation on the mainland. So, with that in mind, which island might you suggest? Your help is very much appreciated too! It means a lot to us!
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Posted By:
oldukeman
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Date: 9/1/2010 7:20:06 PM |
Enjoy your vacation..........please note that there are different size ukuleles; soprano, concert, tenor as well as baritone.........you want to get one that is appropriate to your hand size....it may be appropriate to buy one at your local music store.
Shaloha
Ira
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Posted By:
Yosef 1965
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Date: 9/1/2010 7:26:44 PM |
| Stay away from the shops in Waikiki. Check your prices, compare, and above all don't get ripped-off ! Shalom Tom 1965
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Posted By:
BeachBumTom
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Date: 9/1/2010 7:47:25 PM |
| Dear TenUkes, it sounds like you are a ways to go before seeking "ukulele advice." First you need to zero in on which island (or islands) you want to visit and once you get that figured out then you can ask about uke info for that island. I wouldn't plan a first trip to Hawaii based upon some info about good ukulele stores, etc. Pick your destination and then this BB can direct you to uke stuff on that island. Toward that end I would suggest you go to Barnes and Noble or find some good books regarding travel to Hawaii. Learn about the various islands. You say you don't want "big hotels, etc" but don't want "rural." Hm??? Oahu has the most population and hotels.....but has the most entertainment and variety of ukulele stores and performances. Kauai is very rural....but with fewer options for entertainment and ukes. See what I mean. I think you need to study up a bit on the state itself and once you decide on an island then ask about ukes. Ask friends which Island they liked and why. Each island has its own feel and personality. Sounds like you have plenty time to research. I have my favorite place to go, but it is because of my particular likes and dislikes.....those would not necessarily fit you. You need to find out a little about each island and determine which would fit you best. Good luck. BBT
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Posted By:
Ten_Ukes
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Date: 9/1/2010 8:01:29 PM |
| Thanks, this is great help. I will do some learning about the islands and then chime back in here once I've narrowed down the choices - probably in a week or two. Oh, and I'll be looking for a small and light soprano. Thanks again!
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Posted By:
Diesel
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Date: 9/1/2010 8:15:13 PM |
| LSW and I both vote for the Big Island. Lovely.
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Posted By:
Ukestoo
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Date: 9/1/2010 8:44:17 PM |
| I vote for Kauai after a family vacation there in June for two weeks. Couple good uke shops and a great community radio station not too mention beautiful scenery. Big Island is another plus too.
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Posted By:
CooperBeagle
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Date: 9/1/2010 8:51:59 PM |
| I visited the Big Island in May and brought home the sweetest Kamaka soprano pineapple! (at a very reasonable price!) And no, I didn't find it in the music stores... ah, what a trip!
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Posted By:
Ten_Ukes
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Date: 9/2/2010 4:23:48 PM |
| Well, being a stay at home dad leaves me little time to research islands, but I did find this: http://www.alohamusiccamp.com/ winter session in Feb 2011. This seems perfect for our little family, so we may be interested in a Uke purchase in this area.
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Posted By:
BeachBumTom
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Date: 9/2/2010 5:15:18 PM |
| Ten Ukes - Well, that is on the "Big Island" of Hawaii and the Beamer family is the height of classy and classical things Hawaiian. Excellent choice. On that site I saw a photo of Kona Bob Stoffer who must be involved. He really KNOWS the Big Island and what's happening there regarding ukulele. I suggest you go to his website and e-mail or call him. He can tell you ALL about this camp and everything else you might want to know about ukuleles on the Big Island.....and he knows all about the other islands, too. Besides he is the nicest of fellows who would be glad to give you good info. Check him out at www.konaweb.com/konabob/ And although the site is about basses and other instruments, Bob can tell you all about uke stuff and this Beamer's camp. Aloha, BBT
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Posted By:
Tonya
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Date: 9/3/2010 1:15:30 PM |
| Oh, yes, yes, yes on the Aloha Music Camp! Keahou Beach Resort is such a "cultural"-minded hotel and the event is awesome. For details about *other* things to do on the Big Island, see KonaBob's website and check out (in addition to the beach tips, things to do calendar and restaurant guide) the "Visiting the Big Island" forum. Go here: http://www.konaweb.com/ I also have several ukulele-oriented accounts of trips to the Big Island on my site and I love to share tips for ukulele trips to my favorite destination on earth. Feel free to write me!
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Posted By:
Ukulele Bartt
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Date: 9/8/2010 12:59:51 PM
(Updated: 9/8/2010 1:00:38 PM)
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Aloha, Ten_Ukes -
Good luck with your trip!
If you need some info about choosing an ukulele, here's an article I wrote about it:
http://bartt.net/BuyUkes.htm
Hope it comes in handy!
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