Discography

Facing Future – 1993

Facing Future is arguably IZ’s most popular album. Released in 1993, to this day it remains the best-selling album of all time by a Hawaiian artist. It reached Platinum status in 2005, selling more than one million copies, the only Hawaiian music album to do so. The album’s sales are driven not only by its popularity with Hawaiian audiences, but also by its appeal around the world. The delicate medley “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” has been licensed for use in movies, television shows and commercials, both in the United States and abroad. Although Facing Future was actually IZ’s second solo album, it was this recording that introduced millions of people worldwide to Israel’s stunning talent. Also including the beloved tune “White Sandy Beach” and the bookends of “Hawai`i ’78”, Facing Future is the essential soundtrack to Hawaii.

01 Hawai’i ’78 Introduction
02 Ka Huila Wai
03 Ama’ama
04 Panini Pua Kea
05 Take Me Home Country Road
06 Kuhio Bay
07 Ka Pua U’i
08 White Sandy Beach of Hawai’i
09 Henehene Kou’aka
10 La ‘Elima
11 Pili Me Ka’u Manu
12 Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man
13 Kaulana Kawaihae
14 Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World
15 Hawai’i 78

E Ala E – 1995

E Ala E was Israel’s third solo recording, released in 1995. Several of the songs on this album are slightly political in nature, as IZ became the voice for his people and a champion of his Hawaiian culture. There are also lighter Hawaiian ballads, and E Ala E even features a reunited duet with his deceased brother Skippy, thanks to studio technology. IZ was motivated to carry on Skippy’s mission of perpetuating the spirit of the sovereignty movement, and the title track “E Ala E” became the anthem of solidarity among the Hawaiian people. There is also a whimsical side of IZ captured on this album with “Theme from Gilligan’s Island”. Perhaps the final track “A Hawaiian Like Me” says it all: there will never be another Hawaiian like IZ.

01 E ala E
02 ‘Ulili E
03 Kaleohano
04 Wind Beneath My Wings / He Hawai`i Au
05 Thunder From Heaven
06 Kamalani
07 Aloha Ka Manini
08 Maui Medley See
09 Hele on to Kauai
10 Kauai Beauty
11 Theme from Gilligan’s Island
12 I Ke Alo Iesu
13 A Hawaiian Like Me

N Dis Life – 1996

N Dis Life is the final studio recording of original music before Israel’s death in 1997, and reached #3 on the Top World Music Album chart. The songs span a wide range including gorgeous ballads, traditional Hawaiian, and uplifting island rhythms. N Dis Life won a total of five awards at the 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Hawai`i’s equivalent of the Grammys, including Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Favorite Entertainer of the Year. IZ’s gentle vocals and ukulele are perfect in the classic “Hi`ilawe”, and “In This Life” is a poignant and touching tune for his final recording. IZ’s spirit truly shines through on this album.

01 Hi’ilawe
02 In This Life
03 Wai’alae
04 Starting All Over Again
05 Living in a Sovereign Land
06 ‘Opae E
07 Aloha Ku’u Pua
08 Johnny Mahoe
09 Lover of Mine
10 Yokozuna
11 Na Ka Pueo/Keyhole Hula
12 The Fly

IZ in Concert: The Man and His Music – 1998

Israel was a powerful live performer, as is captured on this recording released in 1998. This album has tracks culled from various performances between 1993 and 1997, and emits the friendly vibe that characterized him. The connection that IZ had with his audience is evident as he introduces his songs, makes jokes and speaks to the audience as if they were family. Iz in Concert features live versions of earlier studio recordings, plus never before released live performances and spoken word. A true intimate experience with IZ, this album highlights the stunning purity of his voice. His most beloved songs are here, from “Kaleohano” to the state anthem “Hawai`i Aloha”. Iz in Concert is a rare glimpse into the real man and his music.

01 Ahi Wela
02 E Ku`u Morning Dew
03 Kamalani
04 Kaleohano
05 Margarita
06 “This Hawaiian Man” Intro
07 Chant
08 E Ala E
09 Hene Hene Kou Aka
10 Lover of Mine
11 White Sandy Beach
12 `Opae E
13 n Dis Life
14 Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man
15 Hawai`i ’78
16 Hawai`i Aloha

Alone in IZ World – 2001

Alone in IZ World is a collection of unplugged performances, previously unreleased recordings, and alternate versions of IZ’s best loved songs. Released four years after his death, this album debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music chart, and charted in the Top 5 of the year-end Top World album chart for three years straight (2006, 2007 and 2008.) The album cover photo is an iconic image of IZ, floating freely in the water and smiling brightly. The album showcases Israel’s solo career, and is a fresh new take on many IZ favorites.

01 Mona Lisa
02 Kaleohano
03 ‘Ulili E
04 Hanohano Wale No Na Cowboy / Ka Huila Wai
05 Hi’ilawe
06 Henehene Kou ‘Aka
07 Ahi Wela / Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
08 ‘Opae E
09 Starting All Over Again
10 Over the Rainbow
11 Panini Puakea
12 La ‘Elima
13 In This Life

Wonderful World – 2007

As the 10th anniversary of Israel’s passing approached, producer Jon de Mello remembered IZ’s wish to someday record with a full orchestra and was inspired. De Mello surrounded IZ’s original voice and ukulele tracks with newly recorded lush string arrangements on 12 of his most beloved songs. The orchestral backgrounds allow IZ’s soft and smooth vocals to remain the true star of the album. Wonderful World debuted at #1 on the Billboard World chart and remained in the top five for two years. It truly is a loving memorial to this gentle giant.

01 What a Wonderful World
02 ‘Ama ‘Ama
03 Henehene Kou ‘Aka
04 Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
05 E Ku’u Morning Dew
06 White Sandy Beach
07 Kaleohano
08 Ka Huila Wai
09 ‘Opae E
10 Ke Alo O Iesu
11 ‘Ulili E
12 A Hawaiian Like Me

Best of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – 2017

Israel IZ Kamakawiwo’ole’s captivating voice continues to regale the world, far beyond his own lifetime, into the next century. His appeal is universal. His probing yet reflective style is spellbinding. IZ exemplifies the global celebration of Hawaiian music.

Hot Hawaiian Nights – 2002

1993 and 1995 broadcasts of KHNL/K59’s Hot Hawaiian Nights” television series gave local people a glimpse of IZ’s live performances. This DVD gives IZ fans the chance to witness his unique style on the ‘ukulele and his uncanny sense of humor.

IZ: The Man and His Music.

Island Music Island Hearts – 1995

The performances captured on Island Music, Island Hearts give everyone an opportunity to bask in the immense presence of IZ. Share previous moments with IZ as he joins friends at Waioli Tea House in Manoa Valley, performs with just his “ukulele on beautiful Waimanalo Beach and in a concert among the pohaku at the historic Miloli’i fishing village on the island of Hawai’i.