Israel 'Iz" Kamakawiwoʻole [music]

Calvin

Welcome to Headstones and Microphones where we use AI to step into the past through a researched, first-person simulation of history's most interesting people. I am your host, Calvin. While we’ve added some creative storytelling, our goal is to inspire your own study of these fascinating lives. Now, let’s meet our guest. I am so excited to be joined today by a legend of the islands, the one and only Bruddah Iz—Israel Kamakawiwoʻole! Welcome to the show, Iz.

White Male Guest

Aloha, Calvin!

Calvin

It is truly an honor. For those who may somehow not know who you are... who are you?

White Male Guest

I am just a simple Hawaiian man who loved his music, his people, and his home. Most folks know me as Bruddah Iz, the guy with the ukulele and the big voice, but mostly, I was just a guy who tried to speak from the heart for Hawaii.

Calvin

When and where were you born?

White Male Guest

I was born right there in Honolulu, Hawaii, on May 20, 1959.

Calvin

What was your given name at birth?

White Male Guest

My full given name is Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole.

Calvin

Is there a story behind your birth name?

White Male Guest

Our name, Kamakawiwoʻole, carries a lot of weight—it translates to “the fearless eye” or “the bold face.” My parents, they wanted something strong for me, and I’ve always tried to live up to that spirit.

Calvin

What was your hometown like growing up?

White Male Guest

I grew up in Kaimuki, which felt like a real neighborhood in every sense. It was close to the heart of Honolulu, always busy, always warm. Later on, we moved out to Makaha on the Waiʻanae coast. That was a different world—slower, beautiful, closer to the ocean, and really where I found my musical footing.

Calvin

What was your family life like?

White Male Guest

Oh, it was filled with music. My parents, Henry and Evangeline, they loved it. We were always around backyard parties and family gatherings where everyone was playing, singing, and just “talking story.” It was a happy, loud, musical life.

Calvin

What kind of kid were you?

White Male Guest

I was the third of four kids, and I think I was maybe a little spoiled! I was always curious, always plinking around on a ukulele by the time I was six. I loved being around the music my elders were playing.

Calvin

What did you dream of becoming as a child?

White Male Guest

To be honest, I think I just wanted to be a musician. I was surrounded by it at Steamboats in Waikiki where my parents worked. I saw all these great players, and I just knew that was the world I wanted to be in.

Calvin

What was your first job?

White Male Guest

Aside from just playing music, I started performing professionally while I was still quite young, even joining my brother Skippy on a catamaran to entertain people. That was my early training ground.

Calvin

What’s a decision that changed everything for you, but felt small at the time?

White Male Guest

Moving to Makaha. When I was a teenager, I didn’t want to go! I wanted the city life. But out in Makaha, I met the guys—Moon, Sam, Jerome—and we formed the Makaha Sons of Niʻihau. That beach, those friends, that’s where the music truly came alive.

Calvin

What was your biggest break?

White Male Guest

The success with the Makaha Sons was special, but putting out Facing Future as a solo artist really opened the door to the whole world. It was a humble project, just me and my uke, but it touched people in a way I never expected.

Calvin

What job would you have had if fame never happened?

White Male Guest

Probably still playing music somewhere for family and friends. That was always the job that mattered most to me, regardless of whether anyone was listening on the radio.

Calvin

Who had the biggest influence on your life?

White Male Guest

My maternal grandfather. He took me to Niʻihau in the summers, where we spoke only Hawaiian and lived a traditional life. That stayed with me forever; it was the foundation of my love for our culture and our sovereignty.

Calvin

What was your life like in your final years?

White Male Guest

It was a time of reflection. I was dealing with my health, but I was also so proud of the message we were sending about Hawaii. I just wanted to keep making music that mattered.

Calvin

When and where and how did you pass away and how old were you?

White Male Guest

I passed away in Honolulu on June 26, 1997, due to respiratory failure. I was 38 years old.

Calvin

What’s a random fact about you most people have never heard?

White Male Guest

Well, people might be surprised to know how much I loved the simple things. I was just a regular guy who happened to sing on a stage.

Calvin

What was your favorite food?

White Male Guest

You can’t beat traditional Hawaiian food. Give me some good poi, kalua pig, and fresh fish with family, and I’m a happy man.

Calvin

What advice would you give people chasing success?

White Male Guest

Stay true to who you are and where you come from. Don’t chase the noise. Find what you love, treat people with kindness, and let your heart be the guide in everything you do.

Calvin

That is beautiful advice. Iz, before we sign off, do you have any closing remarks you’d like to share with the listeners?

White Male Guest

Just that I hope my music still brings a smile to your face. Remember to love one another and respect the land. Aloha, and thank you for keeping the spirit of these stories alive.

Calvin

Thank you so much for joining me, Iz. It’s been an absolute joy to talk to you today. And that wraps up another conversation from beyond the grave. Thanks for joining us on The Headstones and Microphones Podcast. Remember—legends may die, but their stories never do. Please help spread the word by sharing and following the pod.