I wrote in an earlier blog about the history of one of Hawaii’s most revered icons, Duke Kahanamoku. During a recent leisurely stay at a beautiful Oahu vacation rental I decided to focus on two more icons. Here is some interesting information about the two other revered people of Hawaii’s past: Israel Kamakawiwoole, also known as Bruddah Iz, and Eddie Aikau, whose name is still often heard in the phrase “Eddie Would Go.”
A pure-blooded Hawaiian, Israel Kaanoi Kamakawiwoole (1959-1997) was born on May 20, 1959. He lived in Oahu’s Palolo Valley until the age of ten, and that is when his family moved to Makaha, an Oahu beach town. The next year Israel began playing music with his brother Skippy, and within a few years they joined with Jerome Koko and also Louis “Moon” Kauakahi as well as Sam Gray, and these musicians formed the Makaha Sons of Niihau.
The Makaha Sons released ten albums during the next 15 years. They also toured the United States and won numerous Na Hoku Hanohano awards. Another popular thing they did was to host an annual Makaha Bash on Memorial Day at Oahu’s Waikiki Shell.