Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and the Story of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World”
Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, affectionately known as “Bruddah IZ,” was born on May 20, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to parents deeply rooted in Hawaiian heritage—his mother from Niʻihau and his father from Oʻahu. Raised in a close-knit family, Kamakawiwoʻole’s childhood was steeped in traditional Hawaiian values, music, and language. Summers spent with his grandfather on Niʻihau, where Hawaiian was the primary language, profoundly shaped his identity and musical style. From an early age, he learned the ukulele and was surrounded by music at family gatherings and church choirs, which laid the foundation for his artistic and spiritual growth.
Kamakawiwoʻole’s professional career began as a teenager when he co-founded the Makah Sons of Niʻihau with his brother and friends, blending traditional Hawaiian melodies with contemporary influences. The group became a voice for Hawaiian cultural pride and the sovereignty movement, especially after the release of their anthem “Hawaii 78,” which reflected on the impact of colonization and modernization on Hawaiian land and people. Following the death of his brother Skippy, IZ’s commitment to Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural activism deepened, and his music increasingly became a vehicle for advocacy and education about Native Hawaiian rights and identity.
Kamakawiwoʻole’s music was not just entertainment—it was a spiritual experience, both for him and his listeners. His performances often invoked a sense of aloha (love, compassion) and mana (spiritual power), drawing on his deep connection to the land, his ancestors, and Hawaiian spirituality. His gentle demeanor and soulful voice made him a beloved figure, and he used his platform to promote healing, unity, and respect for Hawaiian traditions.
In 1988, Kamakawiwoʻole recorded his iconic medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” in a spontaneous, late-night session, capturing the simplicity and heartfelt emotion that would define his legacy. Released on his 1993 album Facing Future, the medley became an international sensation, symbolizing hope and the beauty of the Hawaiian spirit. The song’s global success brought Hawaiian music and culture to the world stage, while its gentle ukulele and IZ’s soulful vocals offered comfort and inspiration.
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole walked on in 1997, but his influence endures. He is celebrated not only as a musician but also as a cultural icon, educator, and spiritual leader who revitalized Hawaiian language and values, advocated for sovereignty, and inspired pride among Native Hawaiians and fans worldwide. His music remains a bridge between cultures, a source of healing, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Hawaiʻi.
“Through his performances, Kamakawiwo’ole not only entertained but also educated audiences about the importance of Hawaiian identity and the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities.”
[Insert link to: Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World - Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole with lyrics:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nflIf8BhMVs ]
(Photographer: Michael de la Force, LIKE Magazine, 5.23.25
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nflIf8BhMVs
(Michael de la Force, LIKE® Magazine, 5.23.2025)
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