Ceslie-Ann’s life story follows a unique narrative that sets her apart. Not only is she recognized as the daughter of the renowned Hawaiian musician, singer, songwriter, and sovereignty activist Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, but she has also carved her own path in the global spotlight through an unconventional route. Ceslie-Ann didn’t reach her fame through typical notable achievements, nor did she spend her time breaking through societal barriers. Instead, she found herself thrust into fame following a pivotal police encounter.
Her father, Israel, had made a significant impact throughout his life on the Samoan heritage. He was famous for his music, but one particular aspect of his life stood out — his notably overweight physique, which led to chronic health issues. While Israel’s fame might have provided a platform for Ceslie-Ann, she did not instantly capitalize on it. For an extended period, she remained relatively unknown, only gaining widespread attention after a high-profile police chase involving the Honolulu Police Department. This single event catapulted Ceslie-Ann into the limelight.
However, being thrust into fame carried a high cost for Ceslie-Ann. Her newfound status demanded more than she had initially bargained for, proving that the path to fame is not always as glamorous as it seems.
Profile Summary
| Name | Ceslie-Ann Wehi Kamakawiwoʻole |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Date of Birth | 1983 |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | Hawaiian |
| Ethnicity | Native-Hawaiian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Occupation | N/A |
| Father | Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole |
| Mother | Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole |
| Grandparents | Henry “Hank” Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwoʻole Jr. and Evangeline “Angie” Leinani Kamakawiwoʻole. |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Networth | 1 million USD |
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwoʻole Biography
Ceslie-Ann was born in 1983 to the acclaimed singer and vocalist Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole and his wife, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole. At the time of her birth, her father had already etched his name in the global music scene, becoming a local celebrity who delighted his native audience. However, Israel’s fame didn’t automatically transfer to Ceslie-Ann.
Ceslie-Ann’s upbringing deviated from the extravagance often associated with children of celebrities. Instead, she lived a quiet, unassuming life. Her parents, grounded in their values, chose to forgo fleeting indulgences in favor of a selected, humble approach to child upbringing. They introduced Ceslie-Ann to profound Christian principles embedded in religious texts, which served as her moral compass during her formative years. However, as she grew older, the enticing world beyond her sheltered life sparked her curiosity, provoking a desire to explore without limitations.
Ceslie-Ann’s path to fame diverged significantly from the conventional route, leading her not to a glitzy pinnacle of success but to a weighty encounter with the law. Here begins her story.
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwoʻole Arrest
The incident that would implicate Ceslie occurred on February 25, 2015. The victim had parked a Mercedes SUV on Ala Wai Boulevard, only to return the next day around 7 am and find it missing. A report was filed about a stolen vehicle spotted on Kamalo Street, prompting police officers in the Pearl City area to be on alert for a case of grand theft auto.
Later that day, around 4 pm, Ceslie-Ann was seen entering the stolen vehicle and driving away. The Honolulu Police promptly apprehended her and recovered the vehicle. While the situation was controlled and damages were minimized as much as possible, the reputation of Israel and his family name suffered an irreparable blow. Ceslie-Ann, now deemed a person of interest on a 20,000 USD warrant for not adhering to the terms of Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation, found her face splashed across the media. Live footage of Ceslie-Ann’s arrest was aired, putting her inadvertent claim to fame on full display. While she had not sought fame, she achieved it nonetheless, albeit at the cost of her father’s reputation.
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwoʻole Career
Much remains unknown about Ceslie-Ann’s life and career following her connection to grand theft auto. Despite the high-profile incident, details about her subsequent activities remain scant. Since then, she has not been linked to any further larceny or criminal behavior incidents. Additionally, she has not followed in her father’s musical footsteps.
Life and Times of Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwoʻole Father – Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole
Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole was born to Henry “Hank” Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwoʻole Jr. and Evangeline “Angie” Leinani Kamakawiwoʻole on May 20, 1959. His rise to fame was driven by an unwavering determination to make music.
His journey in the music industry began modestly, armed with just his ukulele and a dream. Over time, he quickly rose to prominence, releasing four studio and four compilation albums during his career. As one of the few Hawaiian musicians to achieve such international recognition, his legacy as a Hawaiian folk artist is still celebrated today. He is famed for his cover of What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and Over the Rainbow by musician Judy Garland.
At 3 a.m. in 1988, Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole called a local studio and said he needed to record something, being given a 15-minute deadline to arrive. Weighing 226 kg, they quickly found a steel chair for him to sit on. Then, in a single take, Kamakawiwo’ole recorded the iconic version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” using only his voice and a ukulele, a small stringed instrument. Soon, it became one of the most played songs and used soundtracks worldwide. Even after he died in 1997, at just 38 years old, his music and simple but inspiring life continue to resonate worldwide. A simple video showing Israel calmly strumming his ukulele and singing the song by the seaside has already reached 1.2 billion views on YouTube. A descendant of native Hawaiians and born in Honolulu (the capital of Hawaii, where Barack Obama was also born), Israel never renounced or forgot his origins, always defending the rights of the indigenous people of Hawaii.
However, his career was prematurely ended due to a sudden health crisis.
Physically, Israel was an imposing figure. Standing between 5 ft. 6 and 5 ft. 7, he was renowned as the heaviest man in Hawaii, weighing a total of 757 pounds. His extreme obesity ultimately led to his untimely demise. Israel succumbed to critical heart and respiratory conditions, passing away on June 26, 1997. His remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean at Makua Beach on July 12, 1997.
Despite his short life, Israel led a fulfilling one. He married his high school sweetheart, and they had a beautiful daughter. In 1983, he held an intimate traditional wedding ceremony, despite the disapproval of his mother, Evangeline “Angie” Leinani Kamakawiwoʻole.
Israel’s marriage endured for 14 years, ending with his unexpected passing in 1997. He has Ceslie-Ann as his only daughter. His relationship remained undisturbed until that point, a testament to the love he and his wife shared.
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwoʻole Relationship Status
The 41 years old Ceslie has not hinted at romantic affairs. She is a married woman now and is the mother of five children. Two of her children – Kiara and Elijah Parker-Kamakawiwo’ole – also like music. They follow after their grandfather, Israel, and their favorite instrument is the ukulele, which they frequently use to participate in local festivals.
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwoʻole Net Worth
Little has been discovered about the career of Ceslie; however, she was able to rack up a total of 1 million USD; popular claims attest it to being a product of inheritance from the lofty asset of Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole who was able to accumulate a total of 3 million USD throughout the course of his career.