5 Awesome Mahalo Ukuleles for Beginners

If you’re looking for a cheap entry-level instrument, then a Mahalo ukulele might be the right one for you. Read on to see which models we recommend.

Written by Jay Searle / Published May 3, 2023

Last updated: March 12, 2024

Mahalo Ukuleles are known for providing affordable instruments for beginners. The company’s mission is to provide budget ukuleles that are real, quality instruments, rather than the “toy” type ukuleles that had very little to offer in terms of playability at this price range.

In this article, we check out the build quality, tone and affordability of several Mahalo ukes that would be great for a budding ukulele player, or someone keen to test the waters without spending a fortune.

READ MORE: Ukulele reviews

Our Mahalo Ukulele Recommendations

1. Mahalo Rainbow Series Soprano Ukulele

This little soprano ukulele is a bright start to any beginner’s journey with a decent build quality and accessible price point. You can also choose from over 11 different colors.

Specs

What We Think

This is Mahalo’s most affordable soprano ukulele. The body is made entirely of sengon, a lower-cost Indonesian tone wood. With a jabon neck and mahogany fingerboard, this ukulele manages to have some sparkling high notes, and a very pleasant tone.

The finishes are very bright and eye-catching, especially if you are trying to appeal to younger players. The soprano size makes it very easy to get around and it has a total of 12 frets and a 13.6″ scale length.

The craftsmanship can, however, leave a little to be desired, particularly the finishing job on the inside of the ukulele, which can look a bit rough. That being said though, Mahalo has really offered beginner players, (who may not know if this is the instrument for them), the opportunity to get going without a large initial outlay. Similarly, those looking for an affordable ukulele that they can take traveling and not worry too much about getting banged up might want to consider an instrument from this series.

You will eventually want to upgrade to a more refined ukulele down the track, but to get started, this is a playable beginner instrument with decent intonation and a good sound.

2. Mahalo Hano Series Concert Ukulele

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician in search of an affordable concert size ukulele, this instrument provides a high-quality and well-crafted option for all.

Specs

What We Think

Honestly, I love the look of this ukulele. The high-gloss finish that allows you to see the natural grain of the wood really lends this ukulele a more traditional look. The fact that this is a concert size ukulele also means that I find it a little more comfortable to hold than a soprano ukulele.

In terms of sound, the Hano punches well above its weight. You definitely get that island sound, with a shimmering strum and a fairly punchy low-end, although it could be a bit clearer in my opinion. Mahalo has managed to put together a very affordable ukulele using Indonesian tone woods similar to the Rainbow series. The arched back adds to the instrument’s warmth and sustain and adds a nice touch to the overall aesthetic.

The construction is solid, and the tuning keys, in combination with the Graph Tech nut, provide good tuning stability. Remember, though, that nylon strings do need to be played in, so expect to tune the instrument a few times if new or if you put fresh strings on it. Overall, it’s a good concert ukulele for the price.

3. Mahalo Designer Series Soprano Ukulele

Mahalo’s designer ukulele series is for those looking to make a statement with bright, island-themed visuals with a good tone.

Specs

What We Think

It used to be that around this price point, the instruments on the market could more accurately be referred to as “toys”. Mahalo’s mission was to change that impression by making beginner’s instruments that had actual quality and playability and were genuinely affordable. This ukulele is definitely marketed towards beginners and features several beautiful finishes.

The designer series pays tribute to the birthplace of the ukulele in a rather stylish fashion. There are two themes available that incorporate an impressive Hawaiian design. The first option features the iconic Hawaiian hibiscus with a floral design on the body and a sound hole in the shape of the hibiscus flower. The second option contains a cool design centered around Hawaiian geography with sound holes in the shape of the Hawaiian Islands and a palm tree motif.

A fully Sengon top, back and sides, in combination with the Jabon neck, gives the ukulele a nice level of warmth and projection. The matte finish on the neck and body looks great and the neck feels incredibly comfortable in your hands. All of the frets are well-finished, and the tuning keys and ABS nut do a decent job of keeping the tuning stable enough.

This one is really a matter of taste, I think. This is a great place to start for beginners, and certainly serves up that island vibe, but let’s be honest, not everybody wants a ukulele that is loud in the looks department. If you like things a bit more sedate in your style, then maybe consider one of the other options on this list.

4. Mahalo Java Series Concert Ukulele

A well made concert ukulele crafted from Indonesian tonewoods that offers great playability and sound, all for an affordable price tag.

Specs

What We Think

The Java line of ukuleles is another excellent place to start as a beginner. The ukulele features a Nato body and top, another Indonesian tonewood used in the construction of more budget instruments, but has similar qualities to mahogany. The body also has an arched back to increase volume and resonance.

The sound itself is quite warm, with a pleasing tone, and a clear high end. This is due in part to the warm characteristics of the Nato body and the mahogany neck, as well as the rosewood fingerboard. 

Overall, the construction is good, with attention paid to finishing and details. The ukulele is available in several gloss finishes and a matte transparent brown, if like me you prefer a matte finish.

The Java series also come pre-strung with Aquila Nylgut strings and have a Graph Tech NuBone XB bridge for better projection and harmonics. This definitely bumps up the price of the instrument as many cheaper ukuleles tend to use plastic or other similar materials for the nut and bridge, which tend to dampen string vibrations.

The increased size of the concert makes it a great place for beginners to start with the Java series offering beginners an affordable stepping stone into the world of ukuleles. Certainly not the best out there, but a decent option for those on a budget.

5. Mahalo Java Series Baritone Ukulele

Mahalo’s Java Baritone is a really great baritone at a super low price. It is one of the lowest priced baritones on the market at the moment and would definitely be a welcome addition to your ukulele collection.

Specs

What We Think

At $130, including a gigbag, it is hard not to give Mahalo’s Java Baritone ukulele a go. This baritone features a Nato body, sides, and arched back. With the Nato tonewoods, the extra body room created by the arched back and the mahogany fingerboard, this baritone has a deep and mellow sound.

The finish is high gloss in all the versions except the transparent brown, which features a matte finish. While the finish is absolutely beautiful, I do feel like the gloss finish shows up fingerprints and grime much faster than a matte finish. Just something to bear in mind.

As an added bonus, the Java series is also available as an electro-acoustic. This version features a piezo pickup with an onboard EQ and chromatic tuner built-in. With the closed tuning keys, Graph Tech NuBone nut and onboard tuner, it is quite easy for the instrument to stay in tune.

Finding a quality baritone at this price can be a challenge and it is awesome to see Mahalo making some great ukuleles that are available to more players. This is a very competitively priced ukulele with some attractive features that is great for those looking at starting out on the baritone.

Conclusion

Mahalo says that their mission statement is to bring affordable instruments of good quality onto the market. If their popularity is anything to go by, they certainly have succeeded. 

Mahalo are now one of the largest ukulele manufacturers and distributors globally. Their instruments have allowed players that would otherwise be put off by large initial costs to access instruments for much cheaper.

I think the more of us that get to play, the better. So why not give a Mahalo ukulele a try and see what you think?

Jay Searle

Website Founder & Writer

Jay is a self-professed music nerd and ukulele lover. When not working on the website you’ll find him strumming along to his favorite tunes, spending time with his family, or learning to play the piano.