Obituary of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

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Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (born May 20, 1959 in Honolulu, Hawaii) was a musician, singer-songwriter, and activist who was best known for his le-backed rendition of "Over the Rainbow" and for his standout voice and tremendous size. Israel died on June 26, 1997 and his death was because of respiratory failure. He died young at age 38.

Please help us remember the life of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole by contributing to his obituary, his family tree, funeral, burial, his birth, family, career and death in the sections below.

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Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Biography Wiki:

    • Is He Dead or Alive: Dead
    • Full Name: Kamakawiwoʻole, Israel
    • Common Name: Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
    • Gender: Male
    • Preferred Gender Pronoun: he/him
    • Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
    • Birth Date: May 20, 1959
    • Age: 38 (at death)
    • Also Known As: Bruddah Iz, IZ
    • Occupations:
    • Religion: Christian
    • Net Worth: $3 million
    • Nationality: American
    • Favorite Food: Kraft Mac & Cheese
    • Favorite Color: Rust
    • Favorite Scent: Creed Aventus
    • Favorite Actor:

    Israel's Family Tree

    • Birth Name: Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole
    • Father: Henry Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwoʻole Jr.
    • Mother: Evangeline Leinani Kamakawiwoʻole
    • Spouse/Partner:
      • Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole (married 1982-1997, his death)
    • Daughter(s):
      • Cesile Kamakawiwo’ole

Death Notice:

  • Date: June 26 1997 at age 38
  • Place: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
  • Cause of Death: Respiratory failure (related complications)
  • Funeral Arrangements: Held on July 10, 1997
  • Interment: Cremated and ashes scattered into the Pacific Ocean at Mākua Beach, Hawaii

Category Tags:

MusicianSinger-Songwriter Activist American Born on May 20th Born in 1959 Born in Hawaii Died in 1997 Died at age 38 Died from Respiratory failure

Quotable Quotes:

"I guess this is gonna sound kind of weird, but I'm not scared for myself for dying. Because I believe all these places are temporary. This is just one shell. Because we Hawaiians live in both worlds." (IMDB)

"Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's remarkable life and legacy continue to inspire and touch hearts around the world, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and beyond. (V)"

"Israel Kamakawiwoʻole was a talented singer, songwriter, and musician who gained recognition for his beautiful music and captivating performances, but his life was cut short due to health complications. (V)"

Is Mr. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole still alive? According to our unconfirmed records, he has passed away.

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Celebrity Obit Rating: 4 Stars
Wiki Page Updated: 2025-11-09 00:43:10
Author: Stan
Confirmation: Israel Kamakawiwoʻole on Wikipedia


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