'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

[lanakiger]

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.

[The-Dom]

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

[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.

[DrPickles]

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.

[creiwentheelvenone]

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!

[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 💚

[janielangley]

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.

[nikkicullen]

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!

[rw]

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

[malama]

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

[tiyab]

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!

[JeremyHall-jcsw]

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 "

[rickalarcon]

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...

[dobermanism]

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.

[whamases]

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

[nandep]

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)..💗🤙🏼

[kevdianabetom]

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 .

[maix]

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 🇵🇱

[nutritionfordiabeticssenio]

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! 💓💫🌷🌻💐🌴💐🦋

[IamAries]

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