This review is long overdue for Ukulelefriend of Honolulu Hawaii. Shawn has one of the finest collections of vintage and high end ukuleles on the market today. He is a trusted friend who makes you feel like family. What makes Ukulelefriend so different is the personal touch he provides, whether it is on his awesome website www.ukulelefriend.com or personal emails he takes the time to send to you explaining more of the ukulele one is considering to purchase. Each ukulele has its own showcase on his site that provides actual video of a master performer playing the instrument you will be purchasing. The high resolution pictures on the site of your ukulele truly provide the customer with high detail and multiple posing shots. He provides the history of the ukulele and how it came into his family. Family because of his personal touch and passion he has for his craft and business. I've purchased several from him and always, they are delivered with such speed and care, documented the whole way. Can't say more about the quality he brings to the transactions. His reputation and trustworthiness in his business make high cost purchases easy and stress free. You know you are in good hands. I would not hesitate to purchase from Ukulelefriend time and time again. Thank you Shawn, for I truly appreciate your dedication to the community, and for providing me such joy with my purchases. Ukulelefriend is my ukulele best friend forever. BFF!! read more

A Ukulele Connection with Shawn Yacavone. Called Shawn for his opinion and help on a M. Nunes 1920s vintage ukulele that's been undiscovered in our closets since the 1920s. Just trying to determine what was best action to take. Shawn responded to my email query in less than 10 minutes, and we then had an extended phone discussion on many facets, options, and opinions, on how best to go forward with this long-forgotten gem. Shawn was extremely knowledgeable, and most-important, he quickly and thoroughly described different common-sense avenues for thought and actions. Need excellent help and an informed opinion? Talk to Shawn. Mahalo Shawn! Lou Cabrera, Williamsburg, VA (formerly resided in Kailua-Kona) read more

Received a vintage Ukulele about a year ago and looking for info on it. Contacted the mfg (Lyon & Healy) but they could not help. Recently heard about Ukulele Friend, so I contacted by email. I provided all info I had. Shawn got back to me immediately, and after sending pics, Shawn provided a wealth of info, as well as a range of value. Shawn was extremely helpful. I think that's why he is considered maybe the foremost authority on stringed instruments. Living in Honolulu he should know Ukes and he does. I look forward to meeting Shawn if I am ever lucky enough to visit there. Thanks Shawn for your very friendly and professional assistance. read more

Shawn Yacavone, of Ukulele Friend, is a great person to do business with. He is knowledgeable, friendly and extremely honest. He'll tell you what you what's good, based on your needs, and he won't try to sell you something you don't need or want. I recently put one of my expensive, high-end ukuleles up for consignment with Ukulele Friend. Shawn worked very hard to find a buyer for my ukulele, and he did it quickly. I was very impressed! It's comforting to know, when you need a quality ukulele, that Shawn will work tirelessly to make sure you're happy. Thank you, Shawn, for being there for all of us ukulele enthusiasts! read more

I purchased on separate visits two special ukuleles that just sound great with rich full tones and are just great looking instruments. In my opinion, Shawn the owner of Ukulele Friend has one of the most extensive collection of custom and vintage ukuleles. Shawn is very knowledgeable on custom ukuleles and has the patience in finding the right ukulele that meets your expectations. It is really nice to actually play different ukuleles getting to hear the differences in tone and the feel of the instruments. I would recommend Ukulele Friend if you are in the market for a special ukulele. read more

I just purchased my second uke from Shawn at Ukulele Friend. I cannot recommend them enough. Constantly moving inventory means the site is fun just to browse through for the sound files. Not only did I find the perfect uke each time, but I feel Iike I walk away with a valuable education each time. Shawn is a super cool guy with a great attitude and a wealth of patience based on the amount of kooky emails he's responded to. He even helped me purchase the right beginner uke for my niece. 6 stars out of 5. read more

Shawn (Ukulele Friend) is well known in the ukulele world as having one of the nicest collections of high end, custom, and vintage ukuleles available. Beyond the inventory, Shawn is a great guy who truly values his customers. He is honest and his prices are very fair. Through email conversations, his trustworthiness is apparent and his passion for the instrument shines through. Working with Shawn was stress free and I truly felt that he cared for my interests. He truly embodies the aloha spirit. read more

Shawn ,is just wonderful ,honest and very knowledgeable. I worked for FedEx for 30 years,and we had a company philosophy that made FedEx into a American institution(People, Service,Profit)in that order,and you my friend fit into that equation. My purchasing experience with you has been nothing short amazing! I know now ,when the the time comes for a new aguisition, your establishment is my go to place..all the best . read more

I had 2 ukuleles I had no idea about. Shawn took the time to evaluate what they were and their potential value. He went on to provide me with detailed selling options. He answered my calls and took the time to really give the best bang for my buck, even if it meant not selling with him. Who does that! If you have any questions about your ukulele my first call would be to Shawn at Ukulele Friends. Danny read more

Anyone who likes fine ukes should make it a point to visit Shawn at Ukulele Friend. Here, you will see ukes that you won't normally see at music stores. I've bought 4 tenor ukuleles from Shawn even before he opened this showroom and all of them arrived in less that a week. I got my Kamaka white label. Kamaka gold label, Custom Lymana, and Custom Koa Works from Shawn. Great guy to deal with! read more

Didn't buy anything from them, but instead had a question about my own vintage ukulele that I knew they could answer...Emailed them through their website and within, I kid you not, 10 minutes I had a reply. Sent some pics and within another 10 minutes, I had the answers I needed. Clearly a stand-up business with great employees and customer service. Earned my trust quickly! Keep it up. read more

Great site! So I just purchased an old ukulele and wanted to know more about it and mainly it's value. I emailed ukulelefriend and shortly after was surprised that Shawn had responded. He was able to tell me the size, style, material, date, some history, and approximate value. Best part it was free. I will definitely use them again in the future. Mahalo Shawn! read more

Saw this place in the Hawaiian Airlines in-flight magazine, Hana Hou Magazine and had to check it out. The showroom is amazing! Very classy feel with some of the best full custom ukuleles in the world and from builders that I never even knew existed. Professional and friendly service and if you're in to vintage ukes, this place is better than most museums... read more

I reached out to Ukulele Friend with a question about an old Martin ukulele. Not only did Shawn respond right away he went above,beyond and out of his way to help me. He even gave me a call to discuss the uke in greater detail. He is very knowledgeable and pleasure to talk to. I would not hesitate to buy from Shawn or seek his excellent advice!! read more

Just bought two unique and beautiful tenor ukuleles from Shawn, and it was a wonderful experience. His cool and most importantly, knowledge presence made my purchase easy to do and bear (money). Would recommend anyone interested in purchasing that one-of-a-kind ukulele from a one-of-a-kind great person; go see Shawn at Ukulele Friend. read more

I bought a 1940 Martin Tenor Ukulele from Shawn by phone. He was very helpful and honest in the descriptions. The recording he had made on his site of the exact ukulele I was buying made me much more comfortable in the purchase as well. Shipping was fast and well packaged and the whole transaction went smoothly. Highly recommended. read more

I had an identification question about a vintage uke that I own and had no idea where it was made and by whom. I sent a description and pictures to Shawn and he very quickly responded to my email and was able to identify the ukulele and give me the information I needed. The next time I'm in Hawaii, I'll be sure to stop by his store! read more

Shawn of Ukulele Friend has earned my trust and future business. I play ukulele but I'm also a collector and his honesty on my recent purchase has earned my lifetime support. He's all about putting the right instrument in the right hands. His knowledge and business integrity won't be found at a large outlet store. Thank you, Shawn! read more

You will find something amazing here!! Especially if you are into ukuleles and eager to learn more about the culture and history of Hawaii-made ukuleles, as well as guitar making!! A truly eye opener, and Shawn is just as knowledgeable and wonderful to converse with!! 5 stars all the way!! :) read more