Many Hawaiʻi musicians often take a break from their travels on the U.S. continent to seek out the nearest Guitar Center. With its incredible array of musical instruments, accessories and equipment, GC often creates a “kid in a candy store” euphoria along with the worrisome question, “how do I fit this all in my suitcase without incurring additional baggage fees!?” Well, if you live on Oʻahu, GC has come to you!

Guitar Center Pearl City celebrates its grand opening on Friday, May 10 at the Pearl Highlands Shopping Center, right above Sam’s Club. Festivities for GC’s inaugural store begin at 4 p.m. with a welcome ceremony followed by performances from award-winning artists Kawika Kahiapo, Josh Tatofi and Anuhea.

Kanileʻa ʻUkulele is proud to be a part of the festivities with the presentation of a custom tenor ʻukulele by sales director Nainoa Gibson. Look for the Kanileʻa ʻOhana of Artists in the acoustic instruments area: Kapena, Kolohe Kai, Keauhou and Pōmaikai Lyman.

With this grand opening weekend’s doorbuster deals, the only question you’ll be asking is “can I fit this all in the car without having to make two trips?”

About Guitar Center:

Guitar Center is a musical instruments, accessories, sound equipment and recording equipment retailer, the largest of its kind in the United States. It was founded in 1959 By Wayne Mitchell in Hollywood, California and in its 60 years, has grown into a $2.14 billion revenue giant. GC oversees a number of subsidiaries, has partnered with gaming company Activision in the promotion of the game Guitar Hero and also facilitates The Fender Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports music education.

About Kanileʻa ʻUkulele:

Joe and Kristen Souza are the dynamic husband-wife team who founded Kanileʻa ʻUkulele in July of 1998. Joe apprenticed under master luthier Peter Bermodez in 1990 and still continues to collaborate with “uncle Pete” to integrate traditional Hawaiian building techniques with today’s 21st century technologies. This mash up of old and new has proven effective in creating a full-bodied, rich sound that is distinctive of these playable masterpieces. All Kanileʻa instruments are handcrafted in the Souzas’ hometown of Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi. Kristen oversees administrative operations, retail sales and dealer support. Together, the Souzas employ a team of expert artisans, retail salespeople and admin staff members.