When people think of Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole, they usually picture his gentle voice soaring over his signature medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World." Beyond the legacy of the Voice of Hawaii, fans often wonder about his personal life, specifically his marriage to his wife, Marlene Kamakawiwo'ole.
Marlene Ah Lo married the beloved musician in 1982, standing by his side through his meteoric rise to musical fame and his severe health struggles until his death in 1997. While Israel lived much of his life in the public eye as a cultural icon and sovereignty activist, Marlene maintained a deeply private existence, especially after her husband's passing.
Meeting and Early Years
Marlene and Israel's story began long before international stardom found the gentle giant of Hawaiian music. They first crossed paths when Marlene was just fourteen years old. At the time, Marlene was an accomplished hula dancer who performed internationally, traveling to places like Tokyo and across the United States. Israel was a young musician playing the ukulele and honing the craft that would eventually redefine contemporary Hawaiian sound.
Upon meeting Marlene, Israel boldly told her mother that he was going to marry her one day. Though she initially laughed off the prediction, the childhood sweethearts grew closer over the years. Israel formally proposed when Marlene was twenty years old.
The 1982 Wedding
The couple tied the knot on September 18, 1982, at the Ka Makua Mau Loa church in Kalihi. What was planned as a standard gathering quickly turned into a massive community celebration.
Israel invited everyone he knew, resulting in over a thousand guests showing up—double the initial projection. The reception became local folklore when Marlene's parents had to take out a second mortgage on their home to cover the costs of feeding and hosting the unexpected crowds. Shortly after they married, Israel insisted that there could only be one entertainer in the household. Respecting his wishes, Marlene stepped back from her professional hula dancing career to focus on building a home, though she occasionally joined him on stage for special performances.
Navigating Marriage, Fame, and Health Struggles
Life behind closed doors wasn't always easy. Israel's demanding music career with the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau and his later solo path meant he was frequently out late. Marlene later shared that managing his erratic schedule and being a young mother tested her patience.
"Believe me, I wanted out so many times," Marlene admitted in retrospective interviews, noting that she occasionally took their daughter and stayed with her mother when the pressure mounted. Yet, their bond endured through deep mutual affection and resilience.
A major shadow over their marriage was Israel's severe struggle with obesity and related medical complications. Weighing over 750 pounds at his heaviest, Israel faced chronic respiratory and cardiac issues that led to frequent hospitalizations. Marlene transitioned into a caregiver role, managing the immense stress of his failing health while trying to protect their family privacy.
Family and Children
The couple welcomed their only daughter, Ceslie-Ann, affectionately known as "Wehi," in 1983. Raising Wehi became Marlene's primary focus, especially following Israel's passing at the age of 38 on June 26, 1997.
Wehi grew up, married, and gave Marlene several grandchildren. Interestingly, musical talent skipped a generation with Wehi—who noted instruments weren't her calling—but surfaced strongly in her children. Grandchildren like Kiara and Elijah embraced the ukulele, keeping the family's deep connection to Hawaiian music alive.
Life After Israel's Passing
When Israel passed away, he left behind a musical legacy anchored by albums like Facing Future, which remains the best-selling Hawaiian album of all time. Royalties from his timeless catalog provided financial stability for Marlene, allowing her to step entirely away from the public eye.
Marlene never remarried. Choosing to honor her late husband's memory quietly, she settled into a peaceful routine in Hawaii, surrounded by her daughter and grandchildren. She avoids social media and public appearances, preferring to let Israel's music speak for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long were Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and Marlene married?
They were married for nearly fifteen years, from their wedding in September 1982 until Israel's passing in June 1997.
Did Marlene Kamakawiwo'ole remarry after Israel died?
No. Marlene chose not to remarry, dedicating her life to raising their daughter Wehi and spending time with her grandchildren.
What was Marlene's career before marriage?
Before marrying Israel, Marlene was a professional hula dancer who performed internationally in places like Tokyo and across the United States mainland. She stepped away from professional performing shortly after their wedding.
How many children did Israel and Marlene have?
They had one daughter together, Ceslie-Ann "Wehi" Kamakawiwo'ole, born in 1983.
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