Kala Ambassador

My name is Hamiora Bernard Mangakahia: just call me Sam. I currently live on the North Shore of Oahu.

From the age of 15 I was fascinated by Tā Moko which is the art of Māori Tattoo. That fascination led to carving Moko patterns onto ukuleles and guitars. What I realised later on, is that my strong interest in Moko wasn't just in the beauty of design it was in the process of learning people's story and sharing that through indigenous design. So what I do is I take your story and turn it into living art on an instrument. In my culture this is what we have done for centuries to preserve our history and today I do the same.

If you have an idea in mind of telling your story through any medium especially a guitar or an ukulele, just reach out to me; let's work on something together.

Ukulele Philosophy

Creativity takes courage - Henry Matisse

Tip for Beginners

Playing the ukulele is like learning to surf. The first time you will naturally suck, be patient and keep trying. Before you know it you will be jamming those chords like catching barrels on the North shore