Where Is Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole Now? Life After Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

When you hear the beautiful song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with a soft ukulele, you might think of Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole — the Hawaiian singer with a voice that touched the world. But behind that voice was a quiet, strong woman who helped shape his story.

Her name is Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole.

She was not a singer or celebrity, but she played a big role in Israel’s life. After his passing in 1997, Marlene stepped out of the spotlight and chose a simple life. Many people still ask: Where is Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole now?

In this article, we’ll take a gentle and respectful look at her life — from her early days in Hawaii to her marriage, motherhood, and how she is living today in 2025.

Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole Quick Bio

Who Is Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole?

Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole, born Marlene Ah Lo in 1962, is best known as the wife of the late Hawaiian music legend Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole.

She is a Native Hawaiian woman from Honolulu who has always preferred to stay out of the public eye. Even during her husband’s rise to global fame, she chose a quiet life filled with family, love, and tradition.

Today, people remember her as a strong woman, a loving mother, and someone who stood beside a music icon with grace and heart.

Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole’s Early Life and Childhood

Marlene was born and raised in Honolulu, back when Hawaii was still known as a U.S. territory. She grew up in a warm Hawaiian community where culture, music, and dance were a big part of daily life.

She discovered her love for hula dancing at a young age and became quite good at it. She performed hula in places like Tokyo, Idaho, and Omaha — showing off her graceful moves and strong Hawaiian spirit.

Even though she lived a meaningful life, she never talked much about her family background. To this day, very little is known about her parents or siblings. She has always kept her private life truly private.

How Marlene Met Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

Marlene met Israel Kamakawiwoʻole when she was just 14 years old. At that time, she was performing hula, and Israel was already involved in music. He was bold, funny, and full of charm.

One day, Israel looked at her and said, “I’m going to marry you one day.” Marlene thought he was joking, but those words stayed with her.

Israel even told her mother the same thing. It was the start of something special — a love story built on music, tradition, and a strong connection between two Hawaiian hearts.

The Wedding of Marlene and IZ

On September 18, 1982, Marlene and Israel finally got married at Ka Makua Mau Loa Church in Kalihi, Hawaii. Marlene was just 20 years old.

They planned for a small wedding with about 500 guests. But when the day came, more than 1,000 people showed up! Israel had told everyone he knew to come — and they did.

Marlene’s parents were so supportive that they even took a second mortgage on their home to help pay for the celebration. That day was full of love, music, and joy — just like the couple themselves.

Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole Gave Up Her Hula Career

Before marriage, Marlene was proud of her hula career. She had performed around the world and brought smiles to many people.

But after they got married, Israel told her something honest: “There’s only room for one entertainer.” Marlene understood what he meant. So, she stepped away from the stage and gave up her dancing career.

Even though that was a big sacrifice, she never lost her love for hula. One time during a live concert, Israel called her up on stage to dance while he sang. That moment showed how deep their bond truly was.

Life with Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Was Not Always Easy

Being married to a famous artist wasn’t simple. Marlene worked during the day while Israel often stayed out late with friends and musicians. Sometimes, he didn’t come home until morning.

Those first years were hard. Marlene admitted, “Years of that used to drive me nuts.” There were moments when she took their daughter and went to stay with her mother. Sometimes she stayed away for weeks.

They even lived apart for a while. But through all the pain and pressure, Marlene stayed strong. She tried her best to keep the family together.

The Love That Stayed Through Health Struggles

As the years passed, Israel’s health started to get worse. He struggled with serious heart and lung problems due to his weight. He was hospitalized many times.

But Marlene never left him. Even after living separately, she came back to support him when he needed her most. She visited him, cared for him, and stayed by his side during his hardest moments.

Their love grew deeper during this time. Marlene’s loyalty showed how real and unshakable their bond was — right until the very end.

Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole and Her Daughter Wehi

In 1983, Marlene and Israel welcomed their only child, Ceslie-Ann “Wehi” Kamakawiwoʻole. After Israel’s passing, Marlene focused fully on raising Wehi.

Wehi later became a mother of four children. Marlene legally adopted two of them and continues to help raise the other two in Pearl City, Hawaii.

Even though her grandchildren never met Israel, they know his music by heart. They love the ukulele, just like their grandfather. Marlene says seeing them grow up with that love is bittersweet — but also beautiful.

Where Is Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole Now in 2025?

So, where is Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole now?

As of 2025, Marlene lives a quiet and peaceful life in Pearl City, Hawaii. She’s not active on social media, and she doesn’t appear in interviews. She prefers to stay away from the spotlight and focus on her family.

Every now and then, her grandchildren post pictures of her. In those rare photos, Marlene looks happy and full of life. She’s usually smiling, surrounded by her grandkids, enjoying her days in the calm beauty of Hawaii.

Even though the world knew her through her husband, Marlene chose a different path — a life filled with privacy, warmth, and love.

Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

You might wonder — how does Marlene support herself today?

Well, Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole left behind a strong musical legacy. His songs, especially “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World,” are still played around the world. Because of this, Marlene and her family continue to receive royalties from his music.

Thanks to that, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.

But even with that money, she doesn’t live a flashy or rich lifestyle. She chose to live modestly, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her life is quiet, simple, and filled with meaning — not material things.

The Legacy Israel Left Behind for Marlene and Family

Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole may be gone, but his voice lives on — everywhere.

His version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is one of the most loved songs in the world. You can hear it in movies like 50 First Dates, Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, and many others. It’s also used in shows like Scrubs, ER, and Modern Family.

This song brings smiles, tears, and comfort to millions of people.

For Marlene, this music is more than just a hit. It’s a piece of her late husband that still fills the world with joy. It also brings support to the family, helping them live peacefully even years after his passing.

Why Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole’s Story Still Matters

Many people only know Marlene as the wife of a famous singer. But her life tells us something deeper.

She was once a dancer with big dreams. She gave them up to support her husband. She stood by him through fame, pain, and illness. After his death, she raised her daughter and grandchildren with quiet strength.

Marlene didn’t seek attention. She didn’t try to become famous. She simply lived with love, loyalty, and grace. That’s something we don’t see enough in today’s world.

In her own gentle way, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole is just as inspiring as her husband. She reminds us that love isn’t always loud — sometimes, it’s quiet, steady, and powerful.

Final Thoughts

So, where is Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole now? She’s right where she’s always wanted to be — with family, in Hawaii, living a calm and meaningful life.

Her story is about more than being a celebrity wife. It’s about sacrifice, love, strength, and peace. Even without the spotlight, Marlene continues to carry her husband’s legacy and build her own in the hearts of her loved ones.

She may not sing, but her life tells a beautiful story.

And that story is worth remembering.