lol, if there was such a ukulele, EVERY beginner in the whole world who ever bought ukes would buy it xD
The model answer you'll get from everyone is that it really does depend on what is the "best" ukulele to your personal preferences.
Does it *have* to have solid wood? Or are you happy with laminate?
Does it need to have a pickup? Or are you happy with purely acoustic?
What is not too incredibly expensive? A price range would be good.
What size do u like? Soprano/Concert/Tenor..
What is great sound and looks? xD
Perhaps a nice inexpensive Kala with active electronics is a very versatile choice for a beginner that they can learn on as their primary instrument until the UAS bug makes them want something more..
Here is MGM music store, a very popular store for properly set-up ukes with free upgraded strings and other goodies:
http://stores.ebay.com/Musicguymics-Room
His "starter packs" are a good place to start.
Anyway, my recommendation based on my tastes and preferences are:
Kala KA-CE acoustic electric concert or Kala KA-TE acoustic electric tenor.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Kala-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a5778e1b8
http://cgi.ebay.com/KA-CE-KALA-Maho...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a575e3492
They're laminates, so you don't need to worry about maintaining them with humidifiers and stuff. Their sound is also quite good.
And I have a thing for acoustic-electrics - I like all my ukes to have an electric pickup.