Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Memorial
A bronze bust honoring the legendary "Bruddah Iz," situated at the Waiʻanae Neighborhood Community Center, gazing out toward the ocean and mountains he loved.
Bruddah Iz
The Sculpture
Created by Jan-Michelle Sawyer, this 200-pound bronze bust captures Iz bare-chested, wearing his iconic fishhook necklace. He gazes out toward the ocean, with the Waiʻanae mountain range standing sentinel behind him.
Symbolism & Legacy
The statue honors the voice behind "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The fishhook necklace represents the magic hook of Maui, a direct nod to his deep connection to Hawaiian mythology and culture.
Visitor Information
Location
Waiʻanae Neighborhood Community Center
85-670 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792.
Traditions
A peaceful gathering place where visitors leave flower leis to honor his memory and advocacy for Hawaiian rights.
Access
Free admission with nearby free parking. A quiet, respectful stop on the Leeward Coast.
Find the Memorial
Located at 85-670 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI. Forever watching over the west side.
Get DirectionsHistory & Background
Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole was born in Honolulu on May 20, 1959, and raised in the Waiʻanae community on Oʻahu's leeward coast. Known universally as "Bruddah Iz," he began performing with the Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau in the late 1970s, helping to lead a revival of traditional Hawaiian music at a time when it risked being overshadowed by mainland pop influences. His powerful voice — remarkably tender for a man who weighed over 700 pounds — became one of the most distinctive sounds in Hawaiian history.
His 1993 recording of a ukulele-led medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" spread around the world, appearing in films, television shows, and commercials for decades. It became Hawaii's unofficial anthem and introduced countless people globally to the spirit of aloha. Iz passed away on June 26, 1997, at the age of 38 due to obesity-related organ failure. His death was mourned statewide, and he was the first private citizen in Hawaii's history to lie in state at the Capitol building.
The bronze bust honoring him was created by sculptor Jan-Michelle Sawyer and dedicated in 2003 at the Waiʻanae Neighborhood Community Center — his home community. The project was funded largely through donations from fans around the world, reflecting the global reach of his music. The bust depicts him bare-chested with his iconic fishhook necklace, gazing toward the ocean he loved, framed by the Waiʻanae mountain range rising behind the community center.
What to Expect
Location & Setting
The bust is located at 85-670 Farrington Highway in Waiʻanae, on the grounds of the community center. This is a working neighborhood of Oʻahu's leeward coast — not a tourist district — which gives the visit an authentic, non-commercial quality. The site is modest, but the view of the Waiʻanae mountains and the nearby Pacific creates a naturally beautiful setting that feels entirely right for the memorial.
A Pilgrimage for Fans
Fans of Iz from around the world make the trip to Waiʻanae specifically to see this memorial. Because the site is in a residential area rather than a tourist zone, visitors should be respectful of the surrounding neighborhood. The community center is active, so parking is available but shared. Bringing flowers or a small offering is a common and welcomed gesture of respect.
Nearby Attractions
Mākaha Beach Park
A few miles north of Waiʻanae town, Mākaha Beach is one of the most historically significant surfing beaches in the world — site of the Mākaha International Surfing Championships from 1954 to 1971, which predated the North Shore contests. The beach features powerful winter surf and calm, clear summer waters ideal for swimming. It remains a community beach frequented by local families rather than tourists.
Kaʻena Point State Park
At the northwestern tip of Oʻahu, Kaʻena Point is accessible by a 2.5-mile trail through native dryland shrubland. The point is one of the few Hawaiian coastal areas not crowded with development, and it hosts a protected seabird nesting colony including Laysan albatrosses. Spinner dolphins and humpback whales (in season) are frequently seen offshore. The trail is exposed and rugged — bring water and sun protection.
Waiʻanae Boat Harbor
The local harbor serves as a base for seasonal whale-watching tours during the winter months when humpback whales populate Hawaiian waters. The harbor area also features fishing charters and a view of the working boats that represent the leeward coast's enduring maritime traditions. The sunsets from this part of Oʻahu are among the best on the island, looking out over open water with no obstructions to the west.