I bought my first uke about three years ago....a Martin Soprano that I used as I learned the chords and some picking. Am currently working in Honolulu (since late February) and bought a really nice Kamaka Six-string Tenor in mid-March. The Kamaka's sound and quality makes the Martin seem like it was made from a cigar box. The Kamaka was over $700 new, but it is a lifetime instrument for me and my kids.
The Kamakas are a little harder to get sometimes, but a great instrument.