Hanalei Strings brings world-class craftsmanship to Kauai’s North Shore, where luthier Kirk Smart creates exceptional handmade ukuleles and custom guitars in the heart of Hanalei. With training from the prestigious Musicians Institute of Los Angeles and decades of experience performing and recording with artists like Jason Mraz, Graham Nash, and Donald Fagen, Kirk combines deep musical knowledge with expert lutherie skills.

The shop specializes in custom boutique guitar builds, crafting unique instruments that reflect the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Each piece features meticulous fretwork and setup, with details like hand-inlaid shark tooth rosettes and island chain designs that showcase Kirk’s attention to both aesthetics and playability. His understanding of what professional musicians need translates directly into instruments built for optimal performance.

Beyond building custom instruments, Kirk’s background as both a performer and educator gives him unique insight into instrument repair and setup work. Located in Ching Young Village, Hanalei Strings serves the island’s music community with the expertise of a seasoned guitar tech who understands the demands of serious players. The shop also hosts group ukulele lessons, sharing Kirk’s decades of musical knowledge with the local ‘ohana.