So, it was a great trip! I tried everything and learned some valuable lessons. I am highly partial to Japanese instruments, I prefer pre 1950s Gibson to martins, and the only K brand I really cared for was the perfect kanilea baritone.
Sub 600$ the standout was a kala cedar baritone. Clumsy compared with the kanilea but nice note distinction and sustain. I did not care for the firefly banjo uke or the konablaster baritone.
6-1500$ kiwaya concert strummer was phenomenal. My current goto uke is a laminate kiwaya, and these Ukes bring it to another level. I preferred the mahogany to the koa. Though these are supposed to be for drumming they sounded great played fingerstyle and the higher action facilitated nice volume for clawhammer... there were no other ukes in this category that wowed me, and many disappointments. Kamaka were fine, same with a Romero grand tenor. Quieter than I would have liked.
$1500+ a lot of nice instruments, my favorites were the Takumi and the Kiwaya. UkuleleEddie, I don't share your love of bling but I do share your taste in ukes otherwise, clearly. These along with the kanilea bari were outstanding. I can barely afford a sub$600 instrument at this time but clearly this is my target set of instruments, and I will be saving up for one of these, or a black label from koaloha (sp?) in a few years...
Also, they had a great selection of books, picked up a Daniel ho book 50% off!