Pono is a more affordable line from the Ko’olau company which makes high-end custom ukuleles. Pono ukuleles are popular with guitar players for their wider nut and sturdier build.
They really stand out in the ukulele market for their quality and value and the mango wood gives them a sweet tone just like the fruit itself. Mango offers warmth and clarity similar to both mahogany and koa.
Pono Ukuleles Overview
| Where Pono Ukuleles are Made
| Oahu, Hawaii |
| Pono Ukulele Price Range
| $500 – $960 |
| Types of Ukuleles Pono Offers
| Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone |
| Recommended Skill Level | Good options for all skill levels |
Master the ukulele in 30 or less at ukelikethepros.com, Guaranteed!
- Great for the beginners
- Master Half Notes, Quarter Notes, and Eighth Notes
- Develop amazing right hand strumming technique
- Learn how to play in ‘time’ and keep a solid rhythm
- Memorize essential major, minor, and 7th chords
With so many ukuleles to choose from, how did we pick our favorites? It was definitely tough to choose. After all, Pono such a wide array of ukuleles, and every single model has something unique to offer.
In the end, we opted to choose the best Pono ukuleles from the brand’s mid-range options. As with the rest of our ukulele reviews, these are highly subjective rather than strictly empirical. Our favorites might not be the same as yours, and that’s OK!
Its worth mentioning that Pono’s ukulele design originated from thier love of what was once the popular Tenor Guitar. About 100 years ago various guitar makers came up with a four string, steel string guitar, somewhat replicating a four string banjo.
If you aren’t sure you like what’s available now, check back later. You’re likely to find some new options to put on your wish list. For now, here are our top Pono choices.
Best Rated Pono Ukuleles Reviewed
Pono MGCDP Deluxe Pineapple Concert Ukulele All Solid Mango “Ganges”
The Pono MGCDP Deluxe Pineapple Concert Mango Ukulele has a fantastic price point to fill in the much needed space between the Kala or Ohana solid woods ukes and the high end KoAloha and Kanilea Hawaiian brands.
This is a cool Pineapple Concert Ukulele in Solid Mango. Mango is an incredible wood that sounds as amazing as it looks. Of all the woods, Mango is the warmest and most tonally balanced.
Don’t think for a second that the Pineapple shape takes away from the lush and rich sound of this Pono Mangos. You will not be disappointed.
The Deluxe means nicer looking mango wood and gloss finish.
Pros
- Lush and rich sound
- Fantastic price point
- Solid Mango Top, Sides, and Back
- Free Month Premium Membership at ukelikethepros.com
Cons
- No bag or case included
Pono ATD Deluxe Tenor Ukulele All Solid Acacia “Delfino”
The Pono ATD solid Acacia Deluxe Tenor offers a great price point to fill in the much needed space between the Kala or Ohana solid wood ukes and the higher end Hawaiian brands like KoAloha and Kanilea.
Acacia is a beautiful looking and sounding wood. As a cousin to Hawaiian Koa it has a bold and woodsy sound with a little more bite and clarity.
If you’re looking for a fantastic ukulele that is built with care and quality at a great price point, look no further than this Pono Delfino.
Pros
- Bold and woodsy sound
- Fantastic price point
- Solid Acacia Top, Sides, and Back
- Free Month Premium Membership at ukelikethepros.com
Cons
- No bag or case included
Pono MGTD Deluxe Tenor Ukulele All Solid Mango “Yukon”
If you’re looking for a solid wood ukulele that is built with care and quality at a great price point, look no further than the Pono Yukon. The solid mango is an incredible wood that sounds as amazing as it looks. Of all the woods, Mango is the warmest and most tonally balanced.
The Pono MGTD Deluxe Tenor Mango Ukulele offers a fantastic price point to fill in the much needed space between the Kala or Ohana solid woods ukes and the high end KoAloha and Kanilea Hawaiian brands.
The Deluxe means higher select mango wood and gloss finish.
Pros
- Bold and woodsy sound
- Fantastic price point
- Solid Mango Top, Sides, and Back
- Free Month Premium Membership at ukelikethepros.com
Cons
- No bag or case included
Pono ATDC-SP Spruce/Acacia Deluxe Tenor Ukulele Cutaway “Indus”
Mixed with the solid Acacia sides and back you have a combination fit to exceed your wildest exceptions with this Pono Indus. Acacia is a beautiful looking and sounding wood. As a cousin to Hawaiian Koa it has a bold and woodsy sound with a little more bite and clarity.
The solid spruce is the preferred top for many players and ukulele builders. The spruce creates a large crisp, clean and loud sound that will blow you away with its clarity.
Plus this great Pono model has a cutaway which makes the ukulele look cool and gives you easy access to the higher frets.
The Deluxe means nicer wood grain and gloss finish.
Pros
- Mixed with the solid Acacia sides and back
- Large crisp, clean and loud sound
- Solid Spruce Top
- Free Month Premium Membership at ukelikethepros.com
Cons
- No gig bag included
Pono AT-PC Acacia Tenor Ukulele Pro Classic “Yangtze”
The AT-PC Pro Classic is for those wanting the best of the best from the their Pono baritone Uke.
The Pono Pro Classic line is constructed with premium acacia wood, ebony top and bottom binding, radius fretboard, and a stunning high gloss finish. Acacia is a beautiful looking and sounding wood. As a cousin to Hawaiian Koa it has a bold and woodsy sound with a little more bite and clarity.
The Pono AT-PC solid Acacia Tenor is fantastic price point to fill in the much needed space between the Kala or Ohana solid wood ukes and the higher end Hawaiian brands such as KoAloha and Kanilea.
Pros
- Bold and woodsy sound
- Fantastic price point
- Premium Acacia wood
- Free Month Premium Membership at ukelikethepros.com
Cons
- No bag or case included
How much do Pono Ukuleles Cost?
You can find Pono ukuleles for around $500, and even a little less if it happens to be on sale. Most Pono ukuleles are priced between $500 – $960, and are the pride of craftsmanship for the most refined musicians.
Overall, are Pono Ukuleles a good choice?
Yes! Because in Hawaii, Pono is the word used for something right or done right. Pono ukuleles are an affordable, quality product brought to you by Ko’olau. Every instrument in the Pono lineup is of the finest value available.