The Big Island Ukulele Guild announced its People’s Choice Award winners of the 11th annual Stringed Instruments Exhibit in October at the Wailoa Center in Hilo.
The Big Island Ukulele Guild announced its People’s Choice Award winners of the 11th annual Stringed Instruments Exhibit in October at the Wailoa Center in Hilo.
More than 1,250 visitors — local and worldwide — came to see the exhibit throughout the month and were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite ukulele.
Crist Pung of Hilo won first place for his elaborately inlaid tenor ukulele. Crist uses a combination of shell, wood, gold and other metals and reconstituted stone to create stunning inlay designs.
Second place was awarded to David Heaukulani of Hilo for his creative tenor ukulele with honu designs.
Claudia Suen from the Kona area won third place for her tenor ukulele with hand-carved ornamentation. Suen is pioneering the idea of using hand carving on her ukuleles.
Codie King, Wailoa Center director, congratulates the winners and all the members of the Ukulele Guild.
“Their team effort produced an impressive display of finely crafted stringed instruments for the public to experience,” he said.