I have played both. I like Kala, but in all honesty, hands down the Islander is a far better instrument. It has better physical balance, higher quality of laminate, a slightly arched back, which greatly improves sound, Is better in balance up the strings, and speaks better in the upper register. That scratches the surface only! Sound wise, that volume, sustain, and intonation of the Islander is just far better. Not a little better, but very noticeably different. The Islander is closer in quality to the laminate Kiwaya. If you could play them back to back, you would hear and see the difference right away. I would talk to the folks at HMS, who hear many instruments. They would give you an honest opinion. I asked the same question when I wanted a new instrument, and three sales reps (unnamed here to avoid any embarrassment to anyone) told me the same thing. . .Islander!