Hawaiian ukuleles make a great first instrument for a child

Hawaii Bound International

Ukuleles are interesting instruments that have their roots in Hawaiian culture. This instrument would make a great gift for a child because they are just the right size for little fingers to play. The melodies that spring forth from this 17-inch musical device Ukuleles
are sure to delight young and old alike.

Tropical Hawaii first saw the ukulele in 1879 when the immigrant Portuguese ship, Ravenscrag, arrived in Honolulu. The immigrants came from the island of Madeira to work in the sugar cane fields. There are many stories of how the ukulele got its name. One of the most popular stories stems from the fact that the immigrants were so happy to have landed in Hawaii, they played the instruments at the ship’s dock to celebrate. It is said that their fingers flew so rapidly across the strings to make the pleasant and happy little tunes that they reminded the listeners of “jumping fleas.” Ukulele, translated into English, can mean jumping fleas. Keeping with this theme, a well-known ukulele tune has the name of “My Dog Has Fleas.”

Hawaii is home to The Ukulele Festival held most recently on July 27, 2008. This annual festival has free admission, is located on Waikiki, and has been a tradition since 1971. There is also a ukulele instructional institution called Roy Sakuma’s Ukulele school. As well as the Ukulele Festival held on Waikiki, Northern California holds a similar ukulele festival and there is a “Uke Expo” held in Massachusetts. Resurgence in the popularity of ukuleles has been the recent trend.

Hawaii Bound International has a wonderful selection of ukuleles for children, as well as adults. The children’s ukuleles are 17 inches in length and fit very comfortably in a child’s hands. It is also lightweight and easy to carry. They are decorated with a choice of either a pink or blue surfer, or a pink or blue floral design. With the music they make, you can close your eyes and imagine yourself on a Hawaiian beach, with ocean waves lapping at your feet and a gentle breeze wafting through the nearby palm trees.

Adult ukuleles range in size from 18 inches to 23 inches, and come in a variety of methods of manufacture. The assortment of ukuleles to choose from includes Hawaiian hand-painted, wood-stained, Aloha floral print, and Hawaiian vintage classic. There is also a ukulele made from Hawaii Hapa Wood and a Smart ukulele that features a painted design of a lei and grass skirt.

Children will love strumming on their very own Hawaiian ukulele. With an adult ukulele as well, you can have a duo, trio, or an entire ukulele band. Spending this kind of quality time with your child can make for special bonding moments. You can share the joy of playing this Hawaiian musical instrument and it can make for exceptional Hawaii memories.

Hawaii Bound International Hawaii Bound International has a wide selection of Hawaii gifts, collectibles, and souvenirs that are very affordable. If you’ve always dreamed of going to Hawaii but have never had the opportunity, let Hawaii Bound International give you a taste of what island life is like, right in your very own home.

Hawaii Bound International, the web site for Hawaii gifts, even offers carrying bags for your ukuleles, so you will easily be able to transport your instrument from one “luau” to the next. Hawaii Bound International online store has Hawaiian gifts and collectibles to bring a taste of Hawaii, as well as a bit of music and history, to your home.