Who Is Israel Kamakawiwoʻole? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, born on May 20, 1959, was a renowned Hawaiian musician and cultural icon known for his moving vocals and ukulele skills. Tragically passing away at a young age of 38 in 1997, his music continues to resonate with fans around the globe. As of 2025, his rich legacy lives on through his timeless songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World." His blend of traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary styles has garnered an enduring fanbase, making him a symbol of Hawaiian pride and culture.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 20, 1959 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 26 June, 1997 |
| Died Place | Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
Popularity
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole stood at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall, weighing around 750 lbs (340 kg) at the time of his passing. His larger-than-life persona was matched by his impressive physical presence, showcasing the cultural significance of body positivity within Hawaiians and beyond.
Kamakawiwoʻole struggled with obesity throughout his life, at one point weighing 757 lb while standing 6 ft tall. Kamakawiwoʻole endured several hospitalizations because of his weight. With chronic medical problems including respiratory and cardiac issues, Kamakawiwoʻole died at age 38 in the Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu at 12:18 a.m. on June 26, 1997, from respiratory failure.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole was married to Marlene Kuʻupua Kamakawiwoʻole, with whom he had two children, Cesaria and Zachary. The couple shared a deep bond, and their family remained a constant source of support throughout his career. In 2025, the legacy of Israel's love for his family continues to be felt, inspiring stories and honoring his legacy within the Hawaiian community.
and Evangeline "Angie" Leinani Kamakawiwoʻole, who worked at a popular Waikiki nightclub. His mother was the manager while his father was a bouncer; his father also drove a sanitation truck at the U.S. Navy shipyard at Pearl Harbor. The notable Hawaiian musician Moe Keale was Kamakawiwoʻole's uncle and a major musical influence.
Kamakawiwoʻole was raised in the community of Kaimuki, where his parents had met and married.
Net Worth and Salary
Throughout his brief but impactful career, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole left behind an estimated net worth of $3.5 million at the time of his passing. His music, especially after gaining immense popularity posthumously, has seen sales in the millions, contributing significantly to his lasting financial legacy. The continued streaming and sales of his albums have maintained a steady income stream, keeping his influence alive well into 2025.
Career, Business, and Investments
Israel's career began in local Hawaiian music scenes before gaining national recognition. His breakthrough came in 1993 with the release of his debut album, "Facing Future," which showcased his unique voice and ukulele prowess. Even in 2025, his music continues to influence countless artists, and his contributions to Hawaiian music are celebrated globally. He did not have major business investments during his life, focusing primarily on music and advocacy for Hawaiian sovereignty.
In 1990, Kamakawiwoʻole released his first solo album Ka ʻAnoʻi, which won awards for Contemporary Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year from the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA). Facing Future was released in 1993 by The Mountain Apple Company.
It featured a version of his most popular song, the medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" (listed as "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World"), along with "Hawaiʻi '78", "White Sandy Beach", "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man", and "Kaulana Kawaihae".
The decision to include a cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was said to be a last-minute one by Kamakawiwoʻole's producer Jon de Mello and Kamakawiwoʻole. Facing Future debuted at No. 25 on Billboard magazine's Top Pop Catalogue chart.
On October 26, 2005, Facing Future became Hawaiʻi's first certified platinum album, selling more than a million CDs in the United States, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
On July 21, 2006, BBC Radio 1 announced that "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World (True Dreams)" would be released as a single in America.
Social Network
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is remembered and celebrated across social media platforms. His family and fans often share tributes and performances of his iconic songs, ensuring that his music remains relevant. Official fan pages and tribute accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok actively celebrate his legacy, attracting new generations to his unique sound.
On July 10, 1997, the Hawaiian flag flew at half-staff for Kamakawiwoʻole's funeral. His koa wood casket lay at the state capitol building in Honolulu, making him the third person (and the only non-government official) to be so honored. Approximately 10,000 people attended his funeral.
Thousands of fans gathered as his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean at Mākua Beach on July 12. According to witnesses, many people commemorated him by honking their car and truck horns on all Hawaiian highways that day.
Scenes from the funeral and scattering of Kamakawiwoʻole's ashes were featured in official music videos of "Over the Rainbow", released posthumously by Mountain Apple Company. As of June 2024, the two official video uploads of the song, as featured on YouTube by Mountain Apple Company Inc, have collectively received over 1.63 billion views.
Education
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's musical talent was largely self-taught, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of Hawaiian culture. Growing up in a nurturing environment in Hawaii, he was influenced by various musical styles around him, which shaped his artistry. In 2025, his story continues to highlight the importance of embracing one’s heritage and using art as a form of education and expression.
In his early teens, Kamakawiwoʻole studied at Upward Bound (UB) of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and his family moved to Mākaha. There, Kamakawiwoʻole met Louis Kauakahi, Sam Gray, and Jerome Koko. Together with Skippy, they formed the Makaha Sons of Niʻihau.
A part of the Hawaiian Renaissance, the band's blend of contemporary and traditional styles gained in popularity as they toured Hawaii and the mainland United States, releasing fifteen successful albums. Kamakawiwoʻole's aim was to make music that stayed true to the typical sound of traditional Hawaiian music.
His cousin Bill Keale is also a musician.
