Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole was more than a musician – he was the voice of Hawai‘i. His gentle voice and iconic ukulele sounds brought traditional Hawaiian music to a global audience. But behind his peaceful music and warm presence lay a life of struggle, health issues, and a deep love for his culture.
Here are 12 fascinating facts about Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole.
1. He was born into a musical family
Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole was born on May 20, 1959 in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Music was in his blood; his parents and relatives were well-known Hawaiian musicians.
From an early age, he played the ukulele, an instrument that would later become synonymous with his unique style.
2. His stage name “IZ” happened by accident
His nickname “IZ” came about when someone shortened his name on a set list. It stuck, and he became known worldwide by this simple yet powerful name.
It perfectly matched his laid-back and approachable personality.
3. He became a Hawaiian legend with Over the Rainbow
His most famous song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World, was recorded in 1988 in a single take at 3 a.m. when he spontaneously walked into the studio.
This medley of two classics later became a global hit, featured in countless films, commercials, and TV shows.
4. At his heaviest, he weighed over 770 pounds
IZ struggled with severe obesity from a young age. At his heaviest, he weighed more than 350 kg (770 lbs).
His extreme weight caused serious health issues, but he continued to perform and create music despite it.
5. He fought for Native Hawaiian rights
IZ was not only a musician, but also an activist for Hawaiian independence and culture.
His music and speeches emphasized the need to preserve the Hawaiian language, traditions, and sovereignty against U.S. mainland influence.
6. He sang exclusively in Hawaiian and English
Many of his songs were performed in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), which had nearly gone extinct due to colonial suppression.
Thanks to artists like IZ, the language made a major comeback and is now taught in schools again.
7. His music became world-famous only after his death
While he was a living legend in Hawai‘i, his music didn’t reach a global audience until after his death in 1997.
His album Facing Future became the best-selling Hawaiian album of all time, thanks in part to the success of Over the Rainbow in movies and commercials.
8. His funeral was the largest in Hawai‘i’s history
When IZ passed away in 1997 due to respiratory problems, he was given a state funeral—a rare honor for a civilian.
More than 10,000 people came to pay their respects, and his ashes were scattered in the ocean during an emotional ceremony.
9. His music has broken streaming records
Over the Rainbow remains one of the most-streamed songs of all time.
On YouTube, the video has over 1 billion views, and on Spotify, it appears in countless playlists as one of the most soothing songs ever.
10. He was called the “Hawaiian Bob Marley”
His spiritual music, activism, and deep cultural connection earned him the nickname “the Bob Marley of Hawai‘i”.
Like Marley, he used his music as a tool for change and awareness.
The voice of Hawai‘i that will never fade
Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole was not only a talented musician but also a cultural hero. His music brought joy and reminded people of the beauty and struggles of Hawai‘i.
What do you think: is Over the Rainbow the most timeless song ever recorded?
