How Much is Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Worth? Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's Assets & Salary ( Updated) Net Worth 2026: Career Earnings & Assets

As one of the most talked-about figures, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole has built a significant fortune. Our team analyzed the latest data to provide a clear picture of their income.

What was Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's Net Worth?

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole was a Native Hawaiian musician and singer who had a net worth of $500 thousand at the time of his death. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is best known for his medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," which spent 358 weeks atop the Billboard World Digital Songs chart. The song was first featured on his debut album, 1990's "Ka 'Ano'i," before the more popular acoustic version was included on his second album, 1993's "Facing Future." Kamakawiwoʻole released two more studio albums, "E Ala Ē" and "N Dis Life," before he passed away in 1997 at the age of 38.

Early Life and Education

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole was born on May 20, 1959 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Evangeline and Henry. His mother managed a popular nightclub in Waikiki where his father served as the bouncer. Kamakawiwoʻole's uncle was the ukulele virtuoso Moe Keale, who served as a major influence on him. After being exposed to the music of several other Hawaiian entertainers growing up, Kamakawiwoʻole began playing music with his brother Skippy and his cousin Allen.

As a teenager, Kamakawiwoʻole studied in the Upward Bound program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. He subsequently moved with his family to Mākaha.

The Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau

In 1976, Kamakawiwoʻole, his brother Skippy, and three others formed the musical group the Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau. That year, the group released its first album, "No Kristo." Part of the Hawaiian Renaissance, the Sons achieved great popularity as they toured both Hawaii and the mainland United States. They also continued releasing albums, including "Kahea O Keale," "Keala," "Mahalo, Ke Akua," "Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha," and "Hoʻola." The lineup of the Sons changed many times; one such time was after Skippy died from a heart attack in 1982. Kamakawiwoʻole's last album with the group was 1991's "Hoʻoluana."

Solo Recording Career

Ultimately, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's financial journey is a testament to their success.

Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.