13 Facts About Jonah Kumalae

Jonah Kumalae was an American politician, businessman, publisher, ukulele manufacturer, and musician of ethnic Hawaiian origin.

In 1921, Jonah Kumalae purchased the three-story home with its noted square tower, and then had it relocated piece by piece to its final location on King Street, Honolulu.

Jonah Kumalae is considered to be the most prolific ukulele manufacturer of his time, producing as many as 300 ukuleles per month at the peak of his business, or possibly as many as 600 per month.

In 1911, Jonah Kumalae began making ukuleles in earnest, having been a very accomplished musician.

Jonah Kumalae's ukuleles were made of Koa wood, brought over from the Big Island of Hawaii.

In 1915, Jonah Kumalae got a big break in his ukulele manufacturing and sales.

Jonah Kumalae owned and published the democratic newspaper Ke Alakai O Hawaii until his death in 1940.

Jonah Kumalae was both active and controversial, known for championing the causes of his native countrymen, and for many clashes with the established government.

In 1923, as a Board of Supervisors member, Jonah Kumalae allegedly 'stole' a county vehicle.

Jonah Kumalae claimed to have done so to prove the point that county vehicles were being taken home and used by county employees for things other than county business.

Jonah Kumalae is regarded as the 'father' of the Act that made the Flag of Royal Hawaii the official emblem of the Territory of Hawaii.

Jonah Kumalae married Lena Ahana on May 28,1901, and they had eight children.

Jonah Kumalae was the son of Moses Keli'ia'a and Laika Manuia, daughter of David Manuia.