From the Factory, History | January 2, 2025

Exploring the Martin O’ahu™ Family of Instruments

Take a journey through Hawaiian guitar heritage and history with Chris Martin IV and Craig Thatcher

Two guitars, one standing up, one layind down on hardwood floor.

As we enter the new year, we're taking a moment to look back and revisit one of the most exciting launches of 2024 – the Martin O'ahu™ family of instruments. 

Designed with the soul of Hawaiian music at its heart, this collection is a tribute to an era that helped shape not only Martin's history but the entire steel-string acoustic guitar landscape. The collection’s centerpiece, the Martin O'ahu HG-28, offers a modern homage to the Hawaiian music craze of the 1920s and ‘30s, blending distinctive style with classic Martin craftsmanship. 

To explore this unique heritage, we’re thrilled to share “Hawaiian Guitars: The Making of the Martin O'ahu HG-28.” This video, featuring Executive Chairman Chris Martin IV and Martin Signature Artist Craig Thatcher – who also released his own signature model in 2024 – takes viewers back to the time when Hawaiian music first captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the guitar world. 

In the video below, Chris and Craig dive into Martin's early innovations from that period, exploring how these musical influences inspired iconic models like the Dreadnought, and ultimately, the all-new HG-28. 

Embracing Hawaiian Roots: The Martin O'ahu HG-28 

At a glance, the HG-28’s unique design speaks volumes. The body shape – a smaller, sloped-shoulder form that merges Dreadnought tone with 000 comfort – sets it apart in the Martin lineup. Constructed with solid flamed Hawaiian koa for the back and sides and paired with a solid spruce top, the HG-28 captures a warm, balanced tone with visual flair that evokes the spirit of the islands. Bold herringbone trim, antique white binding, and a satin-finished neck further honor Martin's legacy of Hawaiian-inspired instruments, with a touch of vintage charm that feels as timeless as the music that inspired it. 

Acoustic guitar laying on a chair with colorful upholstery

The Martin O'ahu HG-28 is not only visually striking but highly playable. The shorter 24.9" scale length offers a relaxed string feel, perfect for fingerstyle and slack key tunings, while the comfortable neck profile makes it easy to explore new musical territory, from traditional Hawaiian melodies to contemporary genres. It’s designed for musicians who appreciate the robust tone of a Dreadnought but want the comfort of a more compact body – a nod to the versatility that Martin guitars have always offered. 


The Legacy Continues: Hawaiian Influence in Martin’s History 

As Chris and Craig highlight in the video, Hawaiian music in the early 20th century created a lasting legacy that influenced Martin's designs and innovations. When the Hawaiian music craze hit the mainland in the 1920s, it inspired Martin to experiment with new body shapes and bracing techniques, leading to the birth of the Dreadnought – a model now synonymous with power, projection, and balance (watch our documentary about that iconic innovation, narrated by Jeff Daniels and featuring the late David Crosby, here). 

The Martin O'ahu HG-28 continues this tradition, combining Hawaiian influence with Martin's modern acoustic engineering to create a guitar that honors the past while embracing the future. 

Two acoustic guitars leaning against a white wall

Also part of this family is the Custom K-1 Major Kealakai, a tribute to Hawaiian musician Major Kealakai and his custom Martin guitar, a groundbreaking design that paved the way for the Dreadnought. With authentic materials, traditional specifications, and a new Martin O’ahu logo on its headplate, the Custom K-1 embodies Martin's deep respect for its history and roots. 


Watch the Story Unfold 

To dive deeper into this unique fusion of heritage and innovation, watch “Hawaiian Guitars: The Making of the Martin O'ahu HG-28” and discover how the spirit of Hawaiian music continues to resonate through every instrument we make. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of vintage Martins, or a musician seeking to unleash your inner artist, the Martin O'ahu HG-28 offers an experience unlike any other. 

Acoustic guitar laying on a patterned chair

So, grab your favorite Martin, and let the story of Hawaiian guitar music inspire your own creative journey. This is more than just a family of instruments – it's a connection to a legacy, a culture, and a sound that shaped the course of modern music. 

For more on the Martin O’ahu family of instruments, click here, and stay tuned to the Martin blog for even more great Martin content through the new year and beyond. 

Until next time, happy playing!