Sam Kamaka Jr. Cause Of Death: What Happened To The Ukulele Maker?

The legendary ukulele maker Samuel Kamaka Jr. passed away Tuesday morning, thus March 25, 2022.

Kamaka Jr’s father, Sam Kamaka Sr., created the patented Kamaka ukulele — otherwise known as the pineapple ukulele because of its resemblance to the fruit.

After the demise of his dad, Sam Kamaka Jr. took over the family business in the 1950′s and expanded their factory to its current location on South Street in Kakaako.

For over forty years, Kamaka Jr. continued his father’s tradition of Hawaiian ukulele making, never deviating from his father’s advice: “Don’t make junk.”

Although Kamaka Jr. made countless innovations to Kamaka’s stringed instruments, including the bell-shaped concert and the six-string and eight-string tenor, during his years with the company, many believe that he is also well known for his kind, modest and generous nature.

Sam Kamaka Jr. died peacefully surrounded by his family, just three months shy of his 100th birthday.

Sam Kamaka Jr. was 99 years old.