The Ukulele – Instrument makers Manuel Nunes, Joao Fernandez and Augustine Dias came to Hawaii from Portugal in 1879 to work in the sugar fields. Shortly after they arrived they collaborated to design a four-string instrument that would become known as the ukulele.

The islanders loved the sound of the instrument, and they were amazed at how quickly the musician's fingers moved across the fret board. The native Hawaiians gave the new instrument its name, ukulele, meaning "Jumping Fleas." It soon became Hawaii's most popular musical instrument. Its popularity moved to the mainland in 1915, and today there is a resurgence of the uke's popularity. You can find yours at Heid Music.