Personally I would go with the solid spruce top. I don't think the KA-T is solid. There are advantages to each. If you like brighter tone go with the solid spruce. If you want a more durable the laminate is the way to go, not that the spruce top is fragile.
I have a Kala Tenor spruce top (maple back and sides) and had a Tenor Mango Laminate and they were/are both fine instruments. You boing in San Jose you might be able to get to a store and try each out. Check this thread for stores close to you.
Ohh okay thanks for your help. A lot of people have been telling me they like the KA-ST better. But some other people have been telling me that the KA-T looks more Hawaiian than the spruce because the spruce looks more american and guitar-like.
That is true the spruce does resemble a guitar. It is a very popular top wood in the guitar world. The spruce does not appeal to everyone in sound and/or looks. If you have any other questions or want some other suggestions let the good folks here know what you are looking for and how much $$ you are looking to spend.:shaka:
Purely on sound, I'd go with the Spruce top. If you're more concerned about looks and willing to spend a bit more, there are some other woods that look more traditional that ca also be found with solid tops.
It does look very "guitar-like" but I love the sound. That it has a solid top and Spanish Heel construction (neck block is an integral part of the body construction and not just glued on) is an added bonus.