History of Big Island Ukulele Co.
Late 1800's
our first experience with sawmilling and wood supply started generations ago in Northern California
Early 1970's the first Winklers relocated to Hawaii for forestry industry work
2001 Jorma Winkler began marketing Hawaiian lumber species worldwide
2002 May Winkler Woods LLC formed to supply koa to the instrument makers worldwide
2003 June Winkler Woods LLC chosen over many other companies by the State of Hawaii, Dept of Hawaiian Homelands to reforest over 100 acres of koa forested lands and harvest and market the koa
2005 July Big Island Ukulele Co. formed; early years R&D and many prototypes built!
2006 July HONU series of ukulele debuts and reception and demand is more than expected – thank you!
2006 October Honolulu, Hawaii branch office and distribution started
2006 – 2009 ukulele distribution grows throughout the world
2010 July office and warehouse moved to more central Honolulu location; now within walking distance to major shopping areas (Ward and Ala Moana)
