I've done some (re)search on these, and I found them in a very reputed music store, together with the Aloha-brand. To give an idea: the shop also sells Fenders,Dobro's, Recording Kings and is wellknown nationwide.
At the shop they also said that the Hudsons and Aloha's appear to be made in the same factory as the Makala/Kala brand. I took one of the Aloha-cheapo's, and did a search: they are 100% the same as the Makala's besides the strings, that are one step down. Maybe some difference in the tuners, but I could not spot it - and most of these things need a twist with a screwdriver so no harm. I put on some D'Addario strings and it sounds very nice for it's price.
Seems that they are only marketed in mainland Europe and UK though.
I've since been lurking on a Hudson spruce, the price is I believe unbeatable. It comes at about € 90, including a swap to Aquila string done at the shop, a set-up and a solid softcase. To give you an idea: similar cases are also sold separately, for half the price of the uke.
I think that's a big bang for your buck...
So, if you come across a Hudson or a Aloha and you're looking for a good start, and not looking for hot exotics, they're big players in newbie-league.