The Shocking Journey of Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole: Daughter of a Hawaiian Legend

Most people know Israel Kamakawiwo’ole — also called Bruddah Iz — as the gentle Hawaiian voice behind “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” He was a music legend, a proud Hawaiian, and a man who spread peace through his songs. But very few people know about his only daughter, Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole.

Ceslie-Ann was once just known as the child of a beloved star. But in 2016, her name made news headlines — not for music, but for crime. Many were shocked. How could the daughter of such a peaceful and loving artist end up on Hawaii’s Most Wanted list?

In this article, we’ll explore the full journey of Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole. You’ll learn about her childhood, her close bond with her father, the emotional loss she faced, and the surprising choices she made later in life. Let’s begin her story.

Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole Quick Bio

Who Is Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole?

Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole, often called Wehi or Wehe, was born in 1983 in Hawaii, USA. She is the only daughter of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and his wife Marlene.

From the very start, Ceslie-Ann’s life was different. She was born into a family deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Her father was already making waves in the music world with his soft voice and ukulele. Her mother was a hula dancer. Together, they were known and loved in their community.

But even though her father was famous, Ceslie’s parents tried to protect her from the spotlight. She wasn’t seen on stage or in interviews. Instead, she lived a quiet life at home — just a normal child in a not-so-normal family.

A Close Bond with Her Father, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Ceslie-Ann shared a very special bond with her father. People close to the family said she was his “constant companion.” They were often seen laughing together, playing, and spending quiet moments as a team.

One sweet story tells how her father would stay in her room just to talk and laugh, even if they were running late for school or a show. Her mother, Marlene, would call out, but Israel and Ceslie would be giggling behind the door, not ready to leave their cozy world.

They also used to record funny moments at home, like when Marlene was scolding them. Israel would play it back later just to laugh. It showed how playful and close their family really was. These weren’t just stories — they were memories of a father and daughter who truly loved being together.

The Day Her Father Passed Away

In June 1997, tragedy struck. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole died at just 38 years old due to respiratory failure. He had struggled with health problems for most of his life because of his weight, and sadly, it caught up with him.

Ceslie-Ann was only 14 when her father passed. Losing a parent is hard for anyone, but for her, it was even deeper. Her father was her best friend, her comfort, her world. She didn’t just lose a parent — she lost her closest bond.

After he was cremated, Israel’s ashes were taken to the Pacific Ocean. In one of the most emotional moments of her life, Ceslie-Ann dove into the water to swim after them. Others followed, but it was her way of saying goodbye. This moment showed just how much love she had for her father.

Growing Up After the Loss

Life after Israel’s death was very quiet for Ceslie-Ann. Her mother, Marlene, raised her mostly out of the public eye. While Israel’s music lived on, Ceslie stayed private.

She didn’t appear in interviews or documentaries. She didn’t try to become famous like her dad. For years, most people didn’t even know what happened to her. It seemed like she just disappeared from public view, which made the news in 2016 even more surprising.

Many fans believed she was living a peaceful, private life — maybe married, maybe raising a family. No one expected that one day her name would pop up in the news for stealing a car.

The Crime That Shocked Hawaii

On February 26, 2015, a man reported that his Mercedes SUV had been stolen from Ala Wai Boulevard in Honolulu. Police quickly began looking for it. Later that same day, someone saw a car matching the stolen vehicle on Komalo Street.

Officers set up surveillance and watched the car. Then came the shocking moment: a woman got into the SUV and drove off — and that woman was Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole.

Footage of her driving the stolen car was soon aired on KHON2 News. People were stunned. How did the daughter of a peaceful music legend end up caught in a car theft case? The story spread fast, not just in Hawaii, but across the internet.

Why Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole Was on Hawaii’s Most Wanted List

At first, some thought this might be a mistake — maybe someone with the same name. But the truth became clear: Ceslie had violated the terms of her probation and was on the run.

She had been part of Hawaii’s HOPE Probation Program, which is made for non-violent people with drug issues or past records. But Ceslie didn’t follow the rules. She skipped check-ins and didn’t show up when she was supposed to.

Because of that, the court issued a $20,000 warrant for her arrest. She became one of Hawaii’s most wanted criminals — a shocking title for the daughter of someone so loved by the community.

What Is the HOPE Program and How Did She Violate It?

HOPE stands for Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement. It is a program made to help people on probation avoid jail time. Instead of sending them to prison right away, it gives them another chance. But they must follow strict rules.

These rules include showing up to court dates, taking drug tests, and not breaking any new laws. If someone misses a step, they can get in serious trouble. That’s what happened with Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole.

She didn’t follow the rules. She missed her appointments and didn’t show up when called. That’s why the court put out a warrant for her arrest. This made her name appear on Hawaii’s Most Wanted list, which was a big shock for those who knew her family.

Her Life After the Arrest

After her arrest in 2016, Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole stayed out of the public eye. The news story faded after a while, and she hasn’t made headlines since.

She never gave interviews or spoke about what happened. It’s likely that she chose to stay quiet on purpose. Many believe she just wanted to move on and live a normal life again.

There have been no new reports of her getting into trouble. That may mean she’s now living peacefully, away from the spotlight and the media attention that once surrounded her.

Is Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole Married? Does She Have Kids?

There is no public information about her being married, but reports say she is a mother of five children. That may surprise many, but it also shows that she may now be focused on her family.

Interestingly, two of her kids are said to sing and play the ukulele, just like their late grandfather, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. It seems that his musical spirit still lives on in his grandchildren.

Even though she doesn’t talk to the media, it looks like Ceslie-Ann is trying to raise her children in a positive way. Maybe she’s working to give them a better future — one that she didn’t always have herself.

Where Is She in 2025?

As of 2025, Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole is believed to still be living in Hawaii. She has stayed off social media, and there are no public photos or posts from her in recent years.

People who once followed her story often ask, “Where is she now?” But she’s chosen privacy over public life. That’s why we know very little about her daily life.

Some think she may be working, raising her kids, and simply staying away from the past. Others believe she still carries the weight of her father’s legacy — both the pride and the pressure.

What Is Her Net Worth?

There is no clear record of how much Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole is worth today. But several reports say her net worth is somewhere between $1 million to $5 million.

Her late father, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, had a net worth of around $3 million at the time of his death. His music still earns money, so it’s possible that Ceslie receives some of those earnings.

However, since we don’t know what she does for work now, it’s hard to say how much money she makes on her own. She lives quietly and has never shown signs of living a flashy or rich lifestyle.

What Can We Learn from Her Story?

Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole’s journey teaches us that even people from loving, famous families can face big struggles. Her father gave the world peaceful music, but her life took a very different path.

At the same time, her story also shows that people can choose to change. After her arrest and time on the Most Wanted list, she stayed quiet. She didn’t chase fame. She seems to have focused on her family instead.

We don’t know everything about her, but one thing is clear — life is never simple. Her story is a mix of love, loss, mistakes, and maybe even redemption.

Final Thoughts

From being the daughter of a Hawaiian legend to appearing on Hawaii’s Most Wanted list, Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole has lived a life full of ups and downs. Her story shocked many but also reminded people that fame doesn’t always protect someone from trouble.

Today, she is quiet, private, and possibly healing from her past. Maybe she just wants to be known as a mother, a daughter, and a person — not a headline.

Her journey is still a powerful reminder: one moment can change everything, but so can a second chance.