MARTIN O'AHU® | The Martin O'ahu family of instruments pays homage to the Hawaiian music craze of the 1920s and early '30s, a pivotal era that helped shape the modern steel-string acoustic guitar. At the heart of this collection, joining the Custom K-1 Major Kealakai, is the HG-28, a fresh take on a classic design with Hawaiian roots. Featuring a unique body size, solid flamed Hawaiian koa back and sides, and a solid spruce top, the HG-28 delivers the unmistakable Martin sound in an approachable, comfortable size - ideal for musicians looking to make their own mark on music history.
Behind the Design
Martin O'ahu HG-28
Go behind the design of the Martin O'ahu HG-28 with Chris Martin IV and Instrument Design Manager Tim Teel. Learn how a rare vintage model found at auction sparked the idea for this uniquely-shaped instrument - an innovative new design that combines vintage inspiration with modern craftsmanship to deliver an unparalleled playing experience that also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiian music.
About Martin O'ahu
The Martin O'ahu family of instruments is a tribute to the role Hawaiian music played in shaping modern guitar design. With unique body shapes and premium materials, Martin O'ahu connects the past and future of Martin craftsmanship.
About the Custom K-1 Major Kealakai
Hawaiian musician Major Kealakai, and his Martin guitar, helped shape the course of music history. Kealakai was a guitarist and conductor of the Royal Hawaiian Band, and in 1916, Martin made him a unique custom guitar that was wider, deeper, and longer than a 000 to provide more volume and help fill concert halls. That one-off guitar was the precursor to the iconic Dreadnought. Now, Martin is honoring that historic milestone with this new take on his 12-fret guitar.
About the Martin O'ahu HG-28
The Martin O'ahu HG-28 features an approachable body shape for the Martin line - a smaller sloped-shoulder body that's ideal for players who love the Dreadnought tone in a more comfortable size. Crafted with flamed Hawaiian koa back and sides and a solid spruce top, it produces a beautifully balanced sound. The satin-finished short-scale neck offers smooth playability, while the bold herringbone trim and antique white binding add some vintage charm, reminiscent of Martin’s early Hawaiian-style guitars.
About the Martin O'ahu® K-42 Hibiscus
The Martin O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus takes inspiration from the historic Kealakai body and reimagines it with modern innovation. Featuring a K-sized 12-fret body fitted with a 14-fret neck—an unprecedented first for Martin—it delivers extra projection and clarity while keeping the deep, powerful voice that shaped the Dreadnought’s origins. Crafted with striking broad-flamed koa back and sides, a reclaimed spruce top—used only once before in Martin’s history—in a dark toasted burst, and adorned with ornate hibiscus inlays, it’s as visually captivating as it is sonically rich. Style 42 details, Madagascar rosewood binding, and Waverly® tuners with Liquidmetal® posts add luxury and performance. Limited to just 100 guitars, the K-42 Hibiscus is the newest member of the Martin O’ahu family—an instrument where heritage and artistry meet.