![Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo`ole](https://i0.wp.com/ukulelemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Israel-“Iz”-Kamakawiwoole.jpeg?fit=528%2C600&ssl=1)
Because the ukulele has been the favored instrument of so many Hawaiian players, there are a slew of classic albums worth investigating. Here are 5 essential Hawaiian ukulele albums.
![Bruddah IZ Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole Ukulele Hawaii (Olivia Wise Illustration)](https://i0.wp.com/ukulelemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IZ-Israel-Kamakawiwo‘ole-Ukulele-Hawaii-e1630685121285.png?fit=768%2C450&ssl=1)
Iz will always be most remembered for his voice & ukulele medley of two great American standards: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.”
![Victoria Vox with ukulele](https://i0.wp.com/ukulelemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/PhilipLaubner_VV_NightUnravels-105.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
If there hasn’t been a university study on the psychological and sociological benefits of playing the ukulele, now might be a good time—and Victoria Vox could be the Test Case.