True or not Kamaka claims to be the original inventor of the pineapple soprano ukulele. For quite a few people in the ukulele world a Kamaka pineapple is a must have within their collection for this reason.
As others have stated the instruments are hand made in Hawaii and therefore cost more...
I usually look for the best sound and playability at the best price. This usually ends up being ukes in the $600 to $1,200 range. It would be hard for me to spend more than that considering sound and playability are increased marginally beyond that in my opinion.
I would not spend more for...
I live in Hawaii and can tell you "It's Hawaii braddah!". I wouldn't be offended or put off. Very common here to get to things when you can. Business or otherwise. If never no response, not personal, just maybe forgot or neva got round to it yet. Nothing more or less. Not personal, jus how...
If you are wanting something smaller to transition over to guitar, I would suggest the Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar. These guitars are highly rated by guitar players and a common instrument used to transition from ukulele to guitar. And half the price you a looking at for the Mele.