"Beyond the Rainbow" The Legacy of IZ Documentary. 25 Years of "Facing Future"

In November 1993, “Facing Future” was released.
It turned Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo’ole from a favorite Hawaii musician to an artist on the world stage.
To mark 25 years since the release of “Facing Future,” the most successful Hawaii album of all time, Hawaii News Now compiled a special series and digital documentary that looked at IZ’s life and his legacy.
Credits: Billy V, Lacy Deniz and the HNN Team
Buy "Facing Future" Now: izhawaii.com/facingfuture/

[@lanakiger60]

I lost my beautiful Son first to drugs and then after he got clean we lost him to cancer two years ago. He also had a beautiful singing talent. I think about him everyday and feel sad for a beautiful soul lost. One day I was driving along and was wondering if my Son was in heaven. He always had trouble believing in a God he couldn't see hear or feel. I asked God to please give me a sign that he was with him. Right away I seen part of a rainbow peak out of the clouds it had been raining. So I really happy to see that. The next morning I woke up to IZ song on my mind Over the Rainbow. I had only heard it once about two years ago at the end of a movie. So I checked out who was singing this beautiful song with a ukalayie (sorry I can spell.) When I watched his video with the memorial service and his ashes I knew that I got my sign or promise that my Son is in Heaven ( Paradise) somewhere over the rainbow. With my Mom and all of my Polynesian ancestors. I couldn't bring myself to bury him in a cold muddy place so I'm hoping to bring him to New Zealand where my family is from. I love having this song in my mind all day it brings me to happy tears.

[@naranjadulce5568]

SO sorry to hear that a this happened to you, I wish no mother of father ever loses a son or daughter😯 God is there for you, I send all my love to you and your family somewhere over the Rainbow

[@allegrabraun7545]

Beautiful ❤

[@markswanson1564]

Perhaps a sign your son is singing a duet with IZ?

[@roberttyler2385]

Your story was very touching

[@marrypepper3039]

💘 thank you JEHOVAH

[@The-Dom]

All the health issues, but he remained a paragon of joy and love, and beauty. What a legend.

[@patrickfiorito]

Love this song.

[@andrewcanady6644]

You’re right.

[@creiwentheelvenone6730]

I'm sitting here watching, listening, and when IZ started to sing "I saw you in my dreams, we were walking hand in hand, on a white sandy beach of Hawai'i" -- tears started to stream down my face... And they didn't stop until his sweet, melodic voice ended that song. IZ's voice is so pure, so good, so beautiful, and I found him eight or nine years ago, probably longer to be honest, with Over the Rainbow... But White Sandy Beach may now be a new favorite of mine. Thank you, IZ, for what you have given the ENTIRE WORLD! We love you forever, and forever, and forever!

[@sarahrose0413]

Creiwen The Elven One I love that song, I sing it to my husband when we have visited the islands

[@auntyabby1051]

Me too i always cry when i hear it.

[@nwsmithphoto]

My first trip to Big Island was in 97, only three months before Braddah IZ’s passing. I remember it still as though it were yesterday. My parents bought all of his cd’s and we listened to them on repeat as we drove and explored the beauty that is Hawai’i. We have gone back every year since, and every year we still hold the same tradition of listening to his album. I have never been more in love with a culture that wasn’t my own, but Braddah IZ will forever hold such a huge place in my heart. It doesn’t matter who you are, IZ had a way of touching every single person that heard his voice. You’re sharing your voice now with all the angels that have come and gone, and what a beautiful sound that must be. Aloha au iā ‘oe Braddah IZ, Rest In Peace 💚

[@debbysmith5346]

What a beautiful tribute, it would make IZ so happy! Mahalo nui!

[@sayittomyfaceortapglassfar4392]

So ur family is rich wow must be nice

[@DrPickles13]

Back when we were young, there would be a bunch of us walking to school, all of us would have our books, bags etc. But IZ would only have his ukulele. We miss and love you.

[@TheRabbit123]

Oh, did you go to School with IZ?

[@driftlegacy1638]

Rip

[@luisgaisa9332]

Love Brother Iz music.

[@lindaalmand174]

I so much miss you IZ. I was first acquainted with your music in 1995, in Maui. And unforgettable beautiful 🤗🌎 memories to always have in my heart. Thank You ❤️! I do know you're watching over us together, we CAN do this in Unity. Happy Birthday IZ. God Bless You and your Family.🙏

[@grahamjackaman6675]

You are so blessed to have known him.

[@janielangley5673]

IZ is a treasure for All Humanity. His Music is medicine for all weary soul’s here on Planet Earth and BEYOND. He lives thru his music for All time.

[@cathleenspencer3490]

RIP ARTIE SPEMNCER

[@cathleenspencer3490]

My brotther had this this played played at his funerunel

[@ronijones6737]

Cattlemen Spencer - I think that's really nice - I want it played at my funeral, too.👍 💕

[@barbaraarmstrong4529]

"IZ is a treasure for all humanity" that is so true. Music for the soul. He has a connection to neaven.

[@jacktheripper3441]

that's true ... love and respect forever

[@FluffyKnuckle]

i heard his song on the radio when i was a seventeen. the same year he passed away. im 41 now and still makes me teary eye whenever i hear he's song. IZ's not dead, he just went over the rainbow waiting to welcome us, when our time to go to that rainbow.

[@nikkicullen2807]

We were devastated when he passed and went and sat in that convoy all the way to prays to lay him to rest. When we got home be had the speakers blasting with all his music! I was a sad day in Hawaii man!

[@whamases]

I just discovered IZ's music today. Life got a little bit better.

[@lindseycaudle7040]

I would say A LOT better!! Aloha.

[@franksantos4680]

Welcome to the [ OHANA , Familia 🤙🏽

[@cristiancontreras3793]

@h@@lindseycaudle7040 menos

[@_KayleeLovesMusic_]

His music is so pleasant and beautiful, I wish more people knew him

[@tonicranick5121]

Frank Sinatra

[@CrazyblondeBiotch01]

When u first lay eyes on him you notice that he is a very large man but, as soon as he starts singing you no longer notice his size. His voice is that of an angel and he was the beautiful mortal who was chosen by the creator above ,to bestow the sounds of Heaven upon us. Rest easy Iz .

[@robinherbert638]

never judge a book by its cover

[@wandabertram3028]

Such a BEAUTIFUL voice

[@nandep2149]

Israel Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwoʻole ("Bruddah IZ") was born on May 20, 1959 in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Beset with respiratory, thyroid, heart and other medical problems, "IZ" died at the age of 38 in Queen's Medical Center at 12:18 a.m. on June 26, 1997.😥🕊 He lay in State at Hawai'i's State Capitol (an honor usually reserved for dignitaries); then, his ashes were scattered in the ocean with hundreds there to share their love & respect.🙏 Israel is survived by his wife, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole, and their daughter, Ceslie-Ann "Wehi" Kamakawiwoʻole.💐 The mana, beautiful memories, wisdom, heart and music of Bruddah IZ remain with us -- along w/our kuleana for the 'āina and its people. 💗 For sure, he had a special impact on family, friends, and, millions of admirers worldwide. He's still one of the most loved Hawaiian musicians of all time.🎶 I smile remembering the moment we met backstage, and treasure every time when we'd see each other at gigs and he'd make me laugh...🤣 He filled us with Aloha.💗 Mahalo nui loa, Bruddah... a hālāwai hou mākou (until we meet again)...💗🙂🤙🏼 Mahalo to everyone who contributed to making this video; it's a wonderful tribute.🙂 e mālama pono (take care)..💗🤙🏼

[@ronijones6737]

Nan Dep - Thank you for sharing that. I never knew about him until after he was gone. 😢 But I love his music. I want his "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World " played my funeral. I love 💕 that song SO much. Our beautiful ones live on in our hearts forever. Again, thank you for sharing. Much Love.💕

[@robloxpro947]

long comment count with emojis: 1

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

We share the same birthday except I was born in 1951 !! He was so cute, I would have loved to get a hug from him !! REST !

[@The-Dom]

Aloha from Canada. God bless everyone. This music and culture are magical. Our native traditions should be preserved and treasured.

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

and his legacy lives on in his music

[@tiyab3104]

I just realized he passed away this week and yet still I cried and mourned. It's so strange to feel so strongly toward someone I've never met. Thank God for his music and beautiful impact in the world through his art!

[@baseballboy9297]

I learned yesterday and i cried and cried because IZ was just such a genuine guy who was a role model for all of society

[@heidcast2]

same same now to me...

[@Kalehuamakan0e1]

I was 18 yrs old when I first heard him sing and fell in love wt his music, and I'm 65 yrs old now, and I still love his music till today.

[@Kalehuamakan0e1]

Btw, his group was call "The Makaha Son's of Niihau", and he eventually left the group and took off by his self.

[@zenquad]

I rarely get this feeling but yeah, strong feels toward someone i've never met. Theres just some buddha quality to this fella. What a voice, what a character.

[@malama8981]

Enjoyed the program. Grew up with Israel, Skippy and the Kamakawiwoole family. Wonderful to see his impact which continues to live on. Aloha 🌺❤

[@kevdianabetom6501]

I'm a native American ( APACHE ) from az . I feel that we all can relate to one another in regards to tradition that is why Hawaiian music has touched my soul in every way THANK YOU .

[@NativeAmerican10]

I am. Blackfoot ,

[@tonyowen8349]

👍 helo o gymru. Hello from anglesey north wales uk🌼🍀👍

[@DagothUr.]

IZ brought a level of family and tradition and love to his state so massively that it honestly feels sometimes like Hawaii is its own country, absolute respect out to this man. i truely hope he is somewhere over the rainbow right now

[@LeahTVdotcom]

Yeah❤

[@rickalarcon8039]

I'm an American, hispanic but when i heard Iz music his voice I felt at ease. I wish i could of met him in person and thank him for his music. Thank you Iz...

[@rw9347]

Don't know Hawaii tradition but love this music. I'm American but I'm native American and our traditions are being forgotten. It's good to love who you are and where your from.it's ok to be yourself just like IZ was real to himself. It's ok to be white black Chinese American Mexican on and on its who you are .dont let media and pop stars and celebs tell you who you are or what you should be. There's only one race. The human race

[@ga8523]

I agree, but I’m not in a race , I’m kinda a human stroll , life passes to quickly, take time to feel the air and smell the flowers. And the Enjoy beautiful music .

[@IamAries52]

Thank you for your beautiful comment!

[@ga8523]

Magnum Mountaineer , rushing around makes people stressed, sounds like a good song , I will look for it . I hope you take the time to relax and enjoy the beautiful day .

[@loyalstarweareateamgramsam3164]

Perfectly said

[@joeyfromcali]

My wife is Native Hawaiin. Im Native American and Mexican. Big brahdah IZ is a legend.

[@pauleddy1910]

I met brother Iz back in 1996 it's still one of the treasured moments of my life he was a very kind and gentle soul and although it is selfish to miss those that have gone I still do brother Iz may you rest in paradise forever

[@rccosta7491]

You have lucky

[@hippiharlow4458]

Even before he passed, every time I'd hear Iz sing Over the Rainbow it would bring tears to my eyes. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Now that he's gone I can hardly bear to listen to it. The world is sadder and less beautiful without Iz in it.

[@aliceritchie6746]

IZ is a true gift of aloha to the world. I've no Hawaiian blood, but the spirit of Hawaii lives in my soul. May our Lord bless all Hawaiian people. Thank you IZ.

[@doberman1ism]

The best rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow that I’ve ever heard or that was ever done. A friend of mine who was Lakota Oglala Sioux Indian was in love with this song. He touched hearts all over the world with his beautiful voice and beautiful personality.

[@kenbaker8868]

R.I.P. Brother! You didn’t know how you would effect this world! You will forever be missed!

[@nutritionfordiabeticssenio8901]

IZ's body had to be immense to hold that gorgeous voice and massive spirit. He calms me, gives me chills, makes me believe in love. Long live IZ! 💓💫🌷🌻💐🌴💐🦋

[@Wildflower-xe8sn]

Indeed

[@zsan157]

"One race brah, the human" It's such a beautiful quote

[@notmyname9072]

*proud “Hawaiian” though. 😂

[@robertcronin6603]

Funny how some people's spirit has such a strong impact on humanity...much love from 2020 🔥

[@deborahhernandez7785]

And from 2021...🙏💚🇺🇸

[@sharonrwilson2727]

2023

[@1besieged]

A voice as sweet as honey, soothing, comforting, trusting, loving, your heart melts when you hear him sing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' , he truly has a world class OPERA voice, he was truly in that league of talent. I hear it, sense it, feel it, his singing takes you away to another place , another time, far from earthly worries... it makes me float free like a cloud , my soul loves his music.

[@helenmccarthy6148]

❤

[@rychartist]

That's a beautiful comment and you perfectly get his work

[@mamashanshan2772]

I will forever remember him singing this. It’s all of his love, many memories. It’s him that did this. Absolutely one of my favorites.

[@tropiicannabis]

I started crying before it even start. Tears flowing but without pain, Rest Easy Iz.

[@IamAries52]

I love this tribute to IZ and I love his music!!! May he R.I.Paradise. 😘😘

[@wailelealoha]

Sweet, LadyStClaire--rest in paradise; love that! SO miss Israel, but sure in my heart that your wish is true in his afterlife!

[@IamAries52]

@@wailelealoha IMO some of his music, tells a story just like Bob Marley's music. I love them both and, I wish I could have met them both!!!! The music of today is not worthy, of my time or my money.

[@joeyfromcali]

He is. His ohana and his mana are making sure of dat.

[@karencarney7595]

How did he die?

[@nnamdishakirmuhammad]

@@IamAries52 is we

[@SoloYolo101]

Must be some haters dropping those thumbs down on this. Great video, thanks for producing it.

[@unlikeavirgin]

Whoever gave IZ a thumbs down needs their head examined. Seriously!

[@1besieged]

Some day they the thumbdowners shall experience loss, and will find comfort in IZ's beautiful , heavenly voice, if they do not , they need to just cry and suffer.

[@islandspicehawaii]

Yeah... when I saw those thumbs down I was shocked. How could you? Such a beautiful Hawaiian. A beautiful being of light. The video tribute was so well done. Love to the haters...

[@evilubuntu9001]

@@islandspicehawaii I never told anybody this story, but I was a flautist for the Mekaha Sons of Nii'ho and one day, Brudda Iz came on stage with us, and the smell of him was overwhelming, sweat, feces and old cheese, I tried my hardest to play a few bars, I forget which song but maybe it was Hawaii 76 (?) but I could not control myself, I projectile vomited all over the stage, on the bass player, and Iz scooped up my sick and...ate it. With his fingers. I was so disgusted, and I was fired from the band the next day. I will never forgive what happened, and I thumbs down all Hawaiian videos.

[@judyjacobs6635]

casey young ......IZ was a great person. With a voice from the Heavens

[@stevenparker1129]

I live in the UK and i have listend to his music for a while, i played his somewhere over the rainbow at my mams funeral 2yrs ago, he had such an amazing yet smooth voice Hawaii has lost a true gentleman and one of the greatest musicians R.I.P IZ

[@gottogofishing4929]

I had never heard of him til today. He has been gone a while. Why do I miss him and feel a sense of loss???

[@manupupule]

Because he has a great soul that has visited this earth many many generations for thousands of years, he has touched us all in this life or in a past life, he has shown us the meaning of life. we should all aspire to live a life worth living a life worth remembering

[@1978UA]

Because you can see and feel the pureness of his soul. His inner light shines thru.

[@kaliemm6039]

I feel the same way, that I found him and lost him the same day.

[@tronbeyondtheveil8005]

Where did you come up with that nonsense?????? Is that the new age religion?????

[@annfuller7399]

Weird you say that! I heard his rendition of over the rainbow and fell in love that was 4 years ago! As I watched his video I thought wow he is a very large person. I found myself praying for his weight & then the end of the video came on & I realized he had passed away! I cried like I had known him for years. Watching this video made me cry again. I miss him & yet I never knew him! I hope I get to see him someday!😎🍸

[@user-nm3jh4ow3y]

His music has so changed me from within. All these years since his passing and yet he is truly still here touching our hearts! He still lives

[@Titi-rz3rf]

What a beautiful ceremony when they spread his ashes! Gave me goosebumps!

[@sharlonayres2309]

Yh me too

[@barbaracordell2648]

I will be cremated with no services. I want my ash's to blow over my dad's grave with Over The Rainbow playing. It will be soon!

[@beverlydwyer5162]

My mother was listening to Somewhere over the Rainbow over the hospital hand held TV speaker held to her ear,last thing she ever heard 💚.... Her Very favorite song alone w world wide of all time best.

[@jeanettedegiulio8220]

A tragic loss. His music got me through a very hard time in life when my mom died. She loved his music. 💗

[@karencarney7595]

May she Rest In Paradise w IZ

[@deanmarceusebio4442]

Listening in 2021 and I'm still in tears like the first time I heard it.

[@jamesodell9382]

Well done tribute. Cannot imagine why 48 people dislike this or the man IZ was. My wife and I met in Hawai'i and its' music always has a special place in my heart. Mahalo.

[@wingatemose1182]

@James ODell ,Those dislikes are from sour ,bitter ,mean people. They're just reminding us that " They " are all around us ,which is unfortunate but true. Ignore them ,don't stop to acknowledge them, just go on by.... because life is oh ! soooo ....short on planet earth.

[@watchinvidzwatchinvidz7691]

They're jealous. They will never have a voice like IZ. Jealous of his fame & goodness they will never have.

[@caroljelliott979]

I’m from Buffalo NY and I found IZ after he passed and I didn’t know until a few yrs later! I’ve saved his Music b/c I cannot be without his sweet Angel voice & music. It still makes me sad all thee years later. I missed him even when I found had passed yrs before ! I cried so hard to hear this. I’ll never forget and still saddens me IZ left so early. His heart is as big as He Is💝✨🌟💫💯 we still love you IZ✨🌟💫💚

[@queenv808islandgirl7]

I love when he said "THERE'S ONLY ONE RACE, DA HUMAN RACE" 👏💯😢👏💯😢

[@robertmiller1655]

Thank you, the message that needs to replace CRT. Don't let anyone divide us. Love is always the answer.

[@bonnieramirez2860]

AMEN

[@rosapollard9458]

Amén, Amén 🙏🙏🙏

[@nova_final5683]

I might've been born in the year he passed from this world, but his music still breaks me down to tears still to this day. He was my idol growing up and he still is. When he passed the world lost a friend, brother, family member, and a absolutely great singer-songwriter. His music is life changing and i hope his music still proceeds to change people's lives into the future for a long time to come.

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

...count on it! Love you, IZ........❤❤❤

[@cinthiaarias7733]

😔😔😔😔😔😔😭😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔

[@cinthiaarias7733]

Me to

[@kathleenglumpe8554]

I love , love , love this man❤what a beautiful voice💕

[@traceywilkes7870]

My Mother loved Israel’s music. She bought his CD & listened to it everyday. His voice is pure.

[@kodiak536kodiak536]

White sandy beach ALWAYS bring me to tears...one of THE most heartwarming songs of all time, for those of us who left home and crave that feelings of "Ohana" we don't find ANYWHERE in mainland U.S. Bruddah IZ will ALWAYS be in our hearts, be it you're Hawaiian or just a local boy from Hawaii...

[@carolynsparks3164]

WOW.. I'm crying today for this great man.. I wish I could've known him.. I love his over-the-rainbow...So beautiful..

[@nuscare5001]

"...My music Is my rool..."Israele...

[@lourdesaugusto2990]

Peço por favor que traduz as coisas lindad que fala eu sei que são cousas lindas por favor por favor adoro ele amo de todo meu coração anjo Iz

[@dennisjonese1562]

Me to

[@rccosta7491]

Me to

[@rccosta7491]

I love so much this guy

[@IsmailKhan-pn2ld]

What a beautiful voice, the soul inside him reflected in his songs, clear, pristine and beautiful. I am sure wherever he is, he is at peace somewhere over the rainbow.

[@lululuna1224]

He was such a beautiful man, person , friend, brother and son ! It was an incredibly sad sad day when we lost him. This man would give me such a wonderful feeling everytime I heard him ! Just simply special beyond words !!! ☮️🙏💜

[@christyhernandez8625]

IZ voice in his music carries the holy spirit to all. That is why it soothes the soul.

[@haycwon]

I’m familiar with his music, and every time I listen to it, I can feel IZ’s happiness. It so calming and warm

[@thehansoloco6733]

it's weird to miss someone you've never meet before. :/

[@manuelvictor7093]

It's true tho I just met him yesterday and now I'm missing him

[@tammyavitia1678]

I was blessed to have known him he lived a block from us in makaha Hawaii we knew the family. He saved me from drowning when I was 10 years old we were by the pool we called in was a large circle were we swam the water would splash from a big wave came i lost my balance izzy grabbed my back of my shorts before I got sweeped away back into the ocean he then spanked my butt and said what you doing trying to get killed!? I just looked at him scared cause of what happened 😳 never told my mom till a few years ago to me at that age he was just like family and I'm forever grateful for him saving me forever in my heart ❤ ❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@nevm5776]

@@manuelvictor7093 this comment is 6 months which was on 2020 and he said yesterday even though Iz is deceased in 1997 bruh..

[@yaboijulian1880]

@@nevm5776 r/thathappened

[@retrodeedee4126]

My mom passed on 5-3-19 at 11:08pm est. there were two songs I had at her memorial. She was cremated. It was a memorial for both of my parents. Their main song was Iz’s version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. I listen to it multiple times a day on repeat. It gets me through each day. I never was able to go to Hawai’l due to my health problems. My parents had their honeymoon there in 1966. I played the version everyday she was in the hospital. It was helpful to her. It’s helpful to me. I really miss my parents & my brother who passed on March 27, 2022 of Covid pneumonia at age 55. Each day I miss them.

[@Literarycat8]

The music of IZ reverberates through time in the hearts of people.

[@stacyannparris8888]

He was such a beautiful soul with a lovely voice and he loved his people very much ❤️❤️❤️

[@mramerica6229]

HIS PEOPLE. THERE AMERICAN. HAHA HAHA HAHA HAHA HAHA HAHA HAHA HAHA. LIKE THE REST OF THE COUNTRY

[@kaiyaubozo8082]

MR AMERICA Their Hawaiian and no matter what was taken away they cannot take away the claim of who we are.

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

Beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul who shared his beautiful voice and music.

[@deautrs79]

The Bob Marley of Hawaii. Rest In Peace big guy.

[@n.raefox3661]

well said, so so true

[@robinh3118]

Beautiful. I love every song he sang. You can feel his peace and love for everything and everyone. His voice was so beautiful. He was a beautiful soul. Timeless.

[@mizzmary861]

In a sense I think he knew his time was short after watching this. What an amazing voice.

[@fionanicolson2021]

A very gentle spirit, and what an amazing presence.

[@ansgarvalera963]

Good people never dies, they live forever. Just like IZ. He lives within us!

[@wailelealoha]

You are sooooo very correct, ansgar!! BOth of my favorite musicians have passed--Israel and Freddie Mercury. Both men who are gone long before their time, but both who will be immortal even here on earth due to their amazing contributions to music and the human race!

[@donhensley4393]

Fell in love with music of IZ the first time I heard it.

[@jeannettevandenorth9260]

I know I will see Iz in Heaven,I am a child of the King too.Give your life and heart to Jesus and you will see wonderful,beautifu Iz again too

[@kuuleiholland3763]

Im so proud of being an Hawaiian. I love the music and the dances.

[@gerripetress8168]

Can you help me,? I sure hope you can. Where did your original ancestors come from? It seems like they would of been Asian?

[@toes143]

@@gerripetress8168 Polynesians originated from Farmosa (Modern day Taiwan)

[@derrickjackson9096]

Kuulei Holland I’m proud to be a creek. Creek Indian or native American

[@SkipGroove]

I was fortunate to be get to live in Hawaii for a few years when I was in my 20s. The Hawaiian culture is beautiful and my favorite of all that I've encountered while traveling the world.

[@keithfreitas2983]

@@gerripetress8168 origin is South Pacific during the period of exploration/ migration accross the Pacific. If you really trace the human species we all originated around the African Continent per scientific studies. Of course there is another theory that the Human Race evolved at the same time on different parts of the planet thus creating different races. But one thing is for sure the exploration and migration of humans occurred.

[@corajane5838]

I discovered IZ music about 7 years ago when I was at the end of a very bad relationship. IZ help me to heal and find my way out of that life. I wish I knew you years ago. Thank you for the beautiful music. When my time comes I hope I can see you play over that rainbow while the sound of your voice and the waves soothes me.

[@charleencollins1130]

Love him...great to start the day with his music...lovely...beautiful....

[@influentialolive]

I've been listening to Iz's version of Over the Rainbow, for Year's now. A Wizard of Oz Fanatic from the late 70s... I've Always love this song- but- never As Much As the Way IZ did it. It took me a long time to find who he was, and I just found this video today. His Voice is Angelic, he Must have been a Truly Amazing Man! Every Time I Hear his voice, it lifts me up... I had no idea how short his life was... Yet, Today 2020... he's STILL "fixing" this world.

[@alohatreasures7239]

I love this song. It brings tears to my eyes. After the death of my son. Braddah IZ fly high with the angels. Your music lives in our hearts forever ♥️

[@maggiemgiffen5959]

Still cry when I listen to his song over the rainbow and especially watching his ashes being spread into the ocean......amazing man

[@dianebarela380]

What a beautiful man and soul, your voice is so amazing and your music brings lots of tears and happiness!! Rest in paradise❤️

[@gabriellebudd1166]

he truly is Spirited with a genuine love for his heritage the beautiful Hawaii and Beautiful People God bless this man now that he's over the rainbow and will long be remembered forever here on Earth and forever in heaven playing his ukulele with the angels

[@rosapollard9458]

Love his beautiful soft voice, may he Rest In Peace, God gained an Angel, his music will live for ever. 🌹❤️🙏

[@lindaosman3648]

I had never heard of Iz before vacationing in Hawaii. I heard this beautiful man's music playing in the resort where we were staying and before we left beautiful Hawaii I purchased every cd I could find and also a koa wood ukulele and came home to learn all of Izzy's song. Such a special person and a voice nobody could forget.

[@dedeyoshbuz2517]

Had the privilege of seeing Braddah Iz 3 times. He was larger than life and kind as can be. He lived with ALOHA in his heart and soul ♥ ❤

[@amiestafford]

Whenever I'm listening to the Hawaiian Pandora station and I hear a song that makes me run across the room to find out who it is - it's always Iz.

[@GoddessofSong77]

I learned ukulele because of this man. And I find so much peace because of the ukulele. Thank you Brother Iz for your inspiration.

[@adrianekuahuia5500]

No matter what he said....NO CRY PLANT A TREE....I still cry....just Hearing His Musics...He Lives on Big Island...Milolii Fishing Village

[@maix223]

My mom died one year ago. Two days before her death, she brought me to the garden for tea, she said, please, can you swing me on the swing? Of course, I did it, she was smiling like beautiful young girl (as we didn’t used to see her because Last months she was sick) and after this she said me: Max, if I will die please, play on my funeral Somewhere over the rainbow, I was shocked, but I turned it on the joke and said I will if you will play on my Bob Marley - Is this love. After this moment she died two days later unexpectedly. We played this song in two versions - English and polish. After all I promised my self that I will go to Howaii and play this songs for her and my family. Thank you Israel for this song, which is soothing hearts me and my family. ❤ Maks from Poland 🇵🇱

[@teresaarms1920]

I "stumbled" on his music as I was looking for "Favorite Songs for Funerals". He is (was) great! I wish I had known about him before. But I'm glad I found him and his music. I plan to have one of his songs played at my funeral. The one where he combines Somewhere Over the Rainbow " and What a Wonderful World.

[@miavita9260]

A most beautiful brilliant voice and a soul that enveloped it All🤗He is an Eternal flame through his unique unmistakable song! I'm sure he continues to grace others in a place now called "Somewhere Beyond the 🌈"and I continue to bask in it's rays..🌟

[@715hen]

Life is beautiful. It takes and gives. He gave his eveything and thats enought to live, learn and believe from. Thank you for showing me! 2023!! Your legacy, love, respect and wisdom still live on brother! Forever Hawaii!

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

IZ Is One Of MyFavoriteEntertaners!❤☺

[@delvindoodles2182]

I appreciate everyone involved in creating this. In helping share a little of who he was, and what helped make him, him and showing even more of his soul. I am so thankful for Hawaiian culture as a whole for what you guys helped nurture and encourage and love and put into the world. From the middle of the cornfields of Illinois, I sincerely thank you all.

[@Simone-qy4ko]

Unfortunately, I did not know him earlier. But he touched my soul so much with his songs and his good vibes. And it makes me sad that such a wonderful human had to leave so early.

[@davidyurkin2878]

At this time in my life IZ's music gives me peace and perspective on life and what's important in the world. Thank you IZ

[@nenstar3228]

This guy loved himself and was very confident. He knew he was talented. Dont let anything bring you down. Everyone has a talent. Use that to excel.

[@rhondanolanbryant]

I felt as if I had been given a gift while I was watching this documentary. I'm sure that many have because the music seems to transend time. It speaks to the soul. I'd like to share with you my experience if you care to join me. Twenty five years ago today my grandmother passed. At her funeral I sang "Wind Beneath My Wings." My voice cracked with the tears that were stinging my eyes. I sang a different version as I'd never heard of Iz. It was my personal tribute to my grandmother. Several years ago I found his version and it moved me to tears. I wanted to share it with my grandmother. She loved Hawaii. She studied it. She learned the language. She visited. She told the greatest stories about beaches and singing at Christmas time. It made me wonder if she had the chance to hear his music. I may never know and that's okay. Today I watched this video and I remembered her. I smiled. Thank you. Aloha

[@jacktheripper3441]

This great man with his music and his illness, which he carried with so much dignity, touches me very deeply. I take my hat off to him and send all my love to the Hawaiian people. Rest in peace, IZ. You will live on in our hearts .....

[@dallaslanderson2418]

My husband and I discovered Israel in 2017. He became our favorite. Tears come to my eyes every time I watch a video of him. But, we thought he passed away after 2017. That is how alive he still is. February 7, 2023

[@chantillytaligatus6717]

All the way from PNG, I've heard "over the rainbow" i never knew who sung it. i first heard from the movie " 50 first dates" I love this rendition of the song. His voice is magical, captivating. Watching this tribute to him is very painful, as if a family member was lost. Your beautiful music lives on and will always touch those who listen for generations to come.

[@shirleypangle3135]

He was a wonderful and kind man with a big heart and great compassion! I love his music❤️💖😍

[@sandiesing8142]

A treasure for Hawaii, a treasure for America, and a treasure for humanity.

[@JeremyHall-jc5sw]

As I said years ago. Angels never die they just have to move on, we are lucky we can still hear his wonderful voice for a 1000 years then a 1000 more Israel will be heard. "Thank you for been you "

[@dmarc8165]

Beautiful music and soul. RIP IZ . Still listening to his music in 2023

[@LindaCasey]

What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful man .. thank you.

[@stephyc6035]

absolutely love his music, have for years! i have watched beyond the rainbow more than 100 times and i just today realized his memorial was part of it. just beautiful. may you rest high and share the Rainbow to all still here.

[@dorothymchugh4448]

Just in the past week or so, I found his music and have played it over and over...Then I found he had passed away and was so sad...He certainly was a gentle giant with a very special talent....May he Rest In Peace......

[@irasolis37]

I’m in Hawaii and I’m in love with the people and his culture,really love this place.🤙🏻aloha🤙🏻

[@joshlynnmanuel898]

Thank you lord for a wonderful human being. His song will live on forever. Like Iz says, this is all temporary and love one another.

[@sueyates3555]

First time I heard IZ sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow I was so touched by the way he sang it. I absolutely love that song so every morning my granddaughter when we eat breakfast we listen to it.

[@charlespadilla1027]

I LOVE this fabulous musician, Iz, and have “Over the Rainbow” on my pups’ memorial page because I feel it is so appropriate. Such a loss of a great musician.

[@shane535i1]

There will never be a more beloved hawaiin musician like IZ.. Mahalo for the unforgettable music. ❤️

[@caden5807]

An absolute legend

[@laisabarton]

What a special human being. I saw him on a documentary once and he made an impact on me. He is a beautiful soul and graced this earth with his love for humanity in a short but everlasting way.

[@JoeLeo2953]

This was a young man that was placed in this physical rhealm to bring a moment of peace to all the beings on this planet...he was the proof it could be done

[@vickiphillips7887]

Discovered his music back in 2001- loved his spirit & music & message❤️❤️