Martin O'ahu K-42 Hibiscus Acoustic Guitar - Dark Toast Burst

Rooted in the Hawaiian musical tradition that helped shape the modern American acoustic guitar, the Martin O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus stands as a striking tribute to island heritage and historic craftsmanship. Part of Martin’s O’ahu family, it revives the legendary Kealakai silhouette—the deep-bodied, proto-dreadnought originally built in 1916 for Major Kealakai of the Royal Hawaiian Band. This limited-edition model reimagines that historic platform with a 14-fret neck and forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing, improving focus and projection while preserving the expansive resonance that defined the original design. Highly figured koa back and sides are paired with a reclaimed Sitka spruce top and an ebony fingerboard, creating a voice that feels both lush and authoritative. Delicate hibiscus inlay and ornate Style 45 abalone appointments complete an acoustic that blends a rare fusion of island tradition and elite lutherie.

Kealakai Body and VTS Scalloped Bracing

The foundation of the O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus is the historic Kealakai body, a design created to fill concert halls well before electronic amplification existed. Wider and deeper than a traditional 000, this silhouette pioneered the expanded internal air volume that would later influence the dreadnought. Inside, Golden Era scalloped X-bracing carved from Adirondack spruce and treated with Martin’s Vintage Tone System allows the reclaimed top to respond with the openness and immediacy of a well-aged vintage instrument. This construction preserves the commanding low-end presence of the 1916 original while refining note separation and dynamic range for modern performance.

Reclaimed Sitka Spruce and Figured Koa for Exquisite Tone

The O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus features an exceptionally rare reclaimed Sitka spruce top sourced from the land and waters surrounding Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. Salvaged from old-growth wind-felled timber, historic bridges and marine logging infrastructure, this mature spruce offers an outstanding stiffness-to-weight ratio, yielding strong projection, quick response and rich harmonic complexity. It is paired with highly figured koa back and sides, whose dramatic flame and warm coloration add visual depth and tonal sweetness. Koa contributes sparkle, warmth and a blooming midrange that complements the spruce’s clarity, resulting in a voice that is powerful, refined and deeply expressive. A dark toasted burst finish enhances the vintage-inspired character while showcasing the natural grain.

Mahogany Neck and Ebony Fingerboard With Ornate Hibiscus Inlay

A genuine mahogany neck shaped to Martin’s GE Modified Low Oval profile with a high-performance taper delivers modern comfort and fluid playability. The 25.4" scale length balances string tension and responsiveness, while the dovetail neck joint promotes resonance and sustain throughout the body. An ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, articulate feel and features an intricate hibiscus inlay by Aulson Inlay, honoring the Hawaiian roots of the O’ahu collection. With 20 frets, a 1-3/4" nut width and a meticulously Plek’d setup, the K-42 Hibiscus offers precision, stability and expressive control across the entire register.

Liquidmetal Hardware and Luxurious Style 45 Appointments

Every element of the O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus reflects Martin’s highest tier of craftsmanship. An ebony modern belly pyramid bridge with bone saddle is paired with Liquidmetal bridge pins to enhance sustain and clarity, while Waverly gold open-gear tuners with Liquidmetal posts and abalone dots provide smooth, accurate tuning. Style 45 abalone purfling, multi-stripe rosette and top inlays frame the body with elegant brilliance, complemented by Madagascar rosewood binding, heelcap and endpiece. A faux tortoiseshell pickguard and Martin O’ahu script logo on the back of the headstock complete the refined, heritage-inspired presentation.

A Limited-Edition Martin With Island-Inspired Heritage

Limited to 100 instruments worldwide, the Martin O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus is both a historical tribute and a forward-looking statement. Its Kealakai body design, reclaimed Sitka spruce, figured koa and Golden Era construction combine to produce a voice of remarkable power, nuance and beauty. Shipped in a hardshell case with a numbered label, the O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus is a collector-grade instrument built not only to be admired, but to be played.