Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole performing ‘Hawai’i ‘78’ from Waikiki Shell, 1997. | Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and his band rehearsing a beautiful version of Hawai‘i ‘78. #israelkamakawiwoole #iz #ukulele #hawaii78 #hawaiian #hawaii #livemusic | Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, his name meaning "the fearless eye/the bold face," was born on May 20, 1959. Iz was a rare breed, almost pure Hawaiian of unusual lineage where he could trace his roots all the way to the island of Niʻihau. His first taste in performing was at Steamboats in Waikīkī, where his father was a bouncer and his mother was the manager. He would spend time with Gabby Pahinui and the Sons of Hawai'i and occasionally they would call him onstage at the age of 10 with his ʻukulele. In