From The Rainbow To Hawaii’s Heart: Bruddah IZ’s Impact On Travel

Israel “Bruddah IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole, with his unforgettable voice and timeless music, continues to define what it means to experience Hawaii. For countless visitors, his rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” has become synonymous with the islands’ beauty and aloha spirit.

But beyond his music’s emotional connection, IZ has impacted how people see Hawaii. While he was an angel of Aloha, he was also an activist for Native Hawaiian causes. At the same time, he talked on stage about one race, the human race, and his music brought all of us together.

Setting the tone for Hawaii travel for more than 30 years.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” is often travelers’ first connection with Hawaii—even before arriving. Airlines flying to Hawaii have regularly featured IZ’s music on in-flight playlists, welcoming visitors with a sense of place. Resorts and restaurants often play his songs to evoke nostalgia, creating a soundtrack connecting visitors to the islands’ beauty and culture.

The YouTube video of his rendition has had 1 billion views. Sound engineer Milan Bertosa said IZ did the entire song in one take at 3:30 am.

One BOH reader, Sue from Portland, noted, “Every time I hear IZ, I’m instantly back on Kauai, watching the sunset. His music just feels like Hawaii.”

Comments like hers reflect how IZ’s music has shaped visitors’ emotional ties to the islands, making him a part of the travel experience.

Connecting visitors to Hawaii’s cultural identity.

For many travelers, IZ represents more than music—he embodies the Aloha spirit and the cultural values of Hawaii. His posthumous induction into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 2017 honored his profound influence on Hawaiian culture, and in 2021, his medley “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. This prestigious recognition highlights the recording as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” affirming IZ’s legacy on a national scale. For visitors, his music provides a meaningful way to connect beyond beaches and luaus.

“It’s incredible how much IZ’s voice makes you feel like you understand Hawaii, even if it’s your first visit,” wrote Sam, a BOH reader from Denver. His music offers travelers a glimpse into the heart of Hawaii, sparking curiosity about its deeper cultural roots.

Honoring IZ’s legacy through meaningful experiences.

Visitors seeking to connect with Israel “Bruddah IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole’s legacy can enrich their Hawaii experience through several meaningful avenues.

Exploring locations significant to IZ’s life offers a deeper understanding of his roots. By immersing themselves in these experiences, you can forge a meaningful connection to IZ’s life and the cultural heritage he so profoundly represented.

Kaimuki, Oahu: His roots are in Kaimuki, where his parents met and married, settling at 9th and Kalua streets. Both parents worked nights, and he spent a lot of time with his grandfather. He grew up playing in Palolo Stream and going to Kaimuki Theater. IZ picked up the ukulele at age six and, while growing up, preferred playing music on the beach to going to school. Kaimuki remains one of our favorite neighborhoods to shop and dine on Oahu.

Island of Ni’ihau: His mother was born on the island of Ni’ihau, and IZ maintained a close connection to Ni’ihau, spending summers there immersed in traditional culture. While the island is off-limits to visitors, Holo-Holo Charters on Kauai has boat tours where you can snorkel off the coast of Ni’ihau.

Makaha, Oahu: IZ was in his early teens when the family moved to Makaha, and he entered the world of music here. Located on the Leeward Side of Oahu, Makaha is about a half hour north of the Ko Olina Resort and an hour from Waikiki.

The Waianae Neighborhood Community Center nearby unveiled a 200-pound bronze bust (pictured above) in his honor in 2003 that you can stop by and see. It looks out toward the ocean, with the Waianae mountain range behind.

IZ attended Waianae High School but spent most days playing music on this beach. On one of his beach days, he met a group of guys who played music together. They invited IZ and his brother Skippy to join them. They formed a band called Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau. The band started playing around the town of Makaha and became one of the most respected groups in Hawaiian music. After 17 years with the band, IZ decided to leave and go solo.

Makua Beach. One of the most spectacular beaches on Oahu, above Makaha Beach, is where 10,000 people gathered in 1997 to spread his cremains in the ocean. Every year, on the anniversary of his death on June 26, family and friends still gather at the beach in his memory. This location holds deep significance and allows visitors to pay respects amidst Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Engaging with local music scenes allows visitors to experience IZ’s enduring influence. Many Hawaiian musicians include his songs in their performances, keeping his spirit alive. Attending live music events or visiting venues that celebrate Hawaiian music can provide an authentic connection to his legacy.

A legacy that continues to inspire.

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s enduring influence is felt by every visitor who hears his music and imagines Hawaii’s stunning vistas. As one BOH commenter, Carla from San Francisco, said, “IZ is the voice of Hawaii for the world. His songs bring us back to the islands, even when we’re thousands of miles away.”

His music has a rare power—it draws travelers in and keeps them returning, seeking Hawaii’s beauty, heart, and spirit. By continuing to celebrate IZ’s life and legacy, Hawaii ensures visitors leave with something far more valuable than photos: a connection to its cultural essence.

We invite you to share your reflection on IZ and his music.

All photos © beatofhawaii.com