Who invented the ukulele? The first ukulele makers are thought to be Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias, three Madeiran cabinet makers who settled in Hawaii in 1879. Early ukuleles were made from a variety of materials, including koa wood, which gives the ukulele a bright tone while being lightweight and beautiful. But nowadays you'll see ukuleles made of acacia, spruce, mango wood, mahogany, maple, and so on. Makai Ukulele in particular offers a wide range of materials to ch