Kala Voyage Collection Explained: A Celebration of Culture, Storytelling, and the Spirit of Exploration
Kala brings something truly special to musicians and art lovers with The Voyage Collection, a meaningful lineup created in collaboration with Māori artist Sam Mangakahia. These ukuleles feature laser-etched designs inspired by Sam’s Māori and Hawaiian heritage, each tied to one of three themes within “the voyage of life”: Courage, Unity, and Guidance.
At Popplers Music, we love instruments that support education, artistry, and meaningful connection. The Voyage Collection does all of that and more.
A Ukulele Series Built on Story, Heritage, and Heart
For more than 13 years, Sam Mangakahia has devoted his life to cultural art. Born and raised in Brisbane and now living on the North Shore of O’ahu, he has created more than 450 pieces that each express a story about humanity. Through The Voyage Collection, Sam highlights three core values that shape the journey of life: Courage, Unity, and Guidance.
Every ukulele in the series features:
- Laser etched artwork on mahogany
- Designs inspired by Sam’s Māori and Hawaiian roots
- Matching Voyage Collection gig bag
- A story card hang tag that shares the meaning of each design
- Concert and tenor sizes for every player
✨ Begin your Voyage today. Shop Kala Ukuleles at Popplers Music and find the perfect ukulele for you! Reach out to our friendly staff for guidance.
📍 Grand Forks, ND – 800-437-1755
📍 Sioux Falls, SD – 800-568-2508
📧 [email protected]
The Three Designs That Tell the Voyage Story
Courage
This design carries a Hawaiian aesthetic that honors Sam’s life in Hawai‘i and the teachings of ancient ancestors who learned to thrive in their environment. The featured bird symbolizes freedom and the call to share your gifts with others. Courage invites players to step forward, grow, and take part in a journey larger than themselves.
Guidance
Inspired by Sam’s Māori and Fijian ancestry, Guidance represents the wisdom we draw from people around us and from those who have passed on. The patterns reflect navigation, support, and resilience. This design encourages players to trust the resources within their community and heritage.
Unity
Unity celebrates connection and the relationships formed along the journey. Māori-inspired motifs symbolize community and the strength gained from supporting one another. The hibiscus—a nod to Hawai‘i—adds a warm, welcoming touch of harmony.
📝 Start your musical adventure with Courage, bring Guidance into your playing, and let Unity inspire your next performance. Discover Kala’s Voyage Collection at Popplers Music.
📍 Grand Forks, ND – 800-437-1755
📍 Sioux Falls, SD – 800-568-2508
A Collection That Invites You to Grow
Sam’s message through The Voyage Collection is one of intentional living—reminding players to embrace personal growth, honor their roots, and move forward with purpose. Each design serves as a visual guide for musicians exploring their own path.
For more than 100 years, Popplers Music has supported musicians and music education throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, and the greater Midwest. We are proud to bring Kala’s Voyage Collection to our community, continuing our tradition of offering quality instruments that inspire creativity, culture, and connection. Your next musical chapter begins here at Popplers Music.