Israel Kamakawiwo'ole changed Hawaiian music forever with a single breath and a four-string ukulele. His soaring tenor voice combined with a gentle touch on the instrument created a cultural phenomenon that reached far beyond the shores of Oahu. Millions of listeners around the world know his signature medley, yet his life's work encompasses a fierce dedication to Hawaiian sovereignty and a profound connection to his community.
Born in Honolulu in 1959, Kamakawiwo'ole grew up surrounded by traditional Hawaiian music. He rose to fame in the late 1970s as part of the contemporary group the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau before launching a solo career that redefined the islands' sound. This exploration examines his musical evolution, the history behind his most famous recording, and his lasting impact on modern Hawaiian culture.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Music ran deep in the Kamakawiwo'ole household. His parents, Henry and Evangeline, worked at Waikiki nightspots, exposing him to the local entertainment scene from an early age. When he was six years old, he began playing the ukulele, encouraged by his older brother Skippy, who would become a pivotal musical partner.
In 1976, while living in the Makaha area on the western coast of Oahu, the brothers formed the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau with Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Sam Gray, and Jerome Koko. The group infused traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary folk and jazz elements, creating a fresh sound that resonated with a younger generation of local residents.
The Rise of the Makaha Sons
During the 1980s, the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau became one of the most popular groups in Hawaii. They released a string of successful albums, including Keala'i and Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha, which earned multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards—Hawaii's equivalent of the Grammys.
The group's appeal lay in their ability to honor traditional lyrical poetry while incorporating modern instrumentation and rich vocal harmonies. Kamakawiwo'ole's soaring falsetto and powerful lead vocals became the defining characteristic of the group's sound. However, personal tragedies, including the sudden death of his brother Skippy in 1982, left deep emotional marks that shaped his artistic expression and his commitment to cultural preservation.
Going Solo: Facing Future
By the early 1990s, Kamakawiwo'ole decided to branch out on his own. He wanted artistic freedom to explore different musical styles and to address social and political issues affecting Native Hawaiians. In 1990, he released his debut solo album, Ka 'Ano'i, which won several local music awards and established him as a formidable solo artist.
His definitive artistic statement came with his 1993 album, Facing Future. Recorded in a single late-night session at Studio 16 in Honolulu, the album featured a stripped-down medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World." Accompanied only by his soprano ukulele, Kamakawiwo'ole transformed two American classics into a distinctly Hawaiian anthem.
The Story Behind the Medley
The recording session happened almost by accident. At around 3:00 a.m., producer Milan Bertosa received a phone call from Kamakawiwo'ole, who asked if he could come into the studio. He arrived weighing over 500 pounds, walked into the recording booth with his small ukulele, and asked Bertosa to roll tape.
In a single take, Kamakawiwo'ole played and sang the medley. The recording captured a raw, unpolished intimacy that resonated instantly with listeners. Facing Future became the first-ever Hawaiian album to be certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, eventually selling millions of copies worldwide and anchoring soundtracks for major films and television shows.
Cultural Activism and Sovereignty
Kamakawiwo'ole didn't just sing about Hawaii; he lived and fought for its people. Throughout his life, he was a vocal advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty, using his platform to draw attention to land rights, cultural preservation, and the struggles of Native Hawaiians.
His song "Hawaii '78" became an anthem for the Hawaiian Renaissance, a cultural movement that sought to reclaim indigenous identity, language, and traditions. The lyrics contrast the commercial development of the islands with the perspective of ancient chiefs looking down at the changes. Through his music, he reminded locals and visitors alike of the deep spiritual connection between the Hawaiian people and their land, the ‘aina.
Health Struggles and Final Years
Kamakawiwo'ole's massive frame and booming voice were his trademarks, but severe obesity took a heavy toll on his health. Throughout the 1990s, he suffered from respiratory and cardiac problems related to his weight, leading to numerous hospitalizations.
Despite his physical limitations, he continued to record and perform when he could, driven by his love for his fans and his culture. He passed away on June 26, 1997, at the age of 38, at Leahi Hospital in Honolulu.
A Nation Mourns
Hawaii went into official state mourning following his death. The Hawaii state flag flew at half-staff as his koa wood casket lay in state at the Capitol building in Honolulu—an honor previously granted to only two other private citizens in the state's history.
More than 10,000 people attended his memorial service at Mākaha Beach, where his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean. Thousands of fans watched from the shore and from boats, scattering flower leis upon the water in a traditional Hawaiian farewell.
Global Legacy and Modern Impact
Decades after his passing, Kamakawiwo'ole's influence remains vast. His version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" has streamed billions of times globally, introducing millions of international listeners to the sound of the ukulele and the spirit of aloha.
Major publications and cultural historians frequently rank his work among the most influential recordings of the late 20th century. His legacy extends beyond digital streaming numbers; he proved that local music with a distinct regional identity could capture the global imagination without compromising its cultural roots. You can read more about his life and cultural contributions through historical archives at Hawaiian Music History.
Frequently Asked Questions
What instrument did Israel Kamakawiwo'ole play?
He primarily played a soprano ukulele. Despite his large hands, he played the small instrument with incredible dexterity and a gentle touch that defined his signature acoustic sound.
Why is Israel Kamakawiwo'ole called the Voice of Hawaii?
He earned this title because his music captured the soul of the Hawaiian Renaissance. His powerful vocals and advocacy for Native Hawaiian rights made him a beloved cultural symbol for the islands.
How did he record 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'?
He recorded the famous medley in a single take at 3:00 a.m. in a Honolulu recording studio, accompanied only by his acoustic ukulele.
What was his biggest musical group before going solo?
He was best known as a co-founder and lead vocalist of the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, a contemporary Hawaiian music group he started in the 1970s.
