Meet Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole – one of Hawaii’s most wanted criminals. Well, she used to be anyway.
Ceslie-Ann is already in the spotlight for being the daughter of the well-known Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Her arrest in February 2015 quickly made headlines; her profile spread across every TV in Hawaii back then.
Are you intrigued yet? Read on to learn the juicy details of that story and where Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole is now.
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole: A Quick Glance
Before we get into it, let’s look at Ceslie-Ann’s background. Here’s a brief overview for you:
| Full Name | Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole |
| Nickname | Wehi Kamakawiwo’ole |
| Parents | Israel & Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole |
| Grandparents | Henry Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwo’ole Jr. & Evangeline Leinani Keale Kamakawiwo’ole |
| Birthdate | Unknown |
| Birth Year | 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Hawaii |
| Current Residence | America |
| Age | 42 |
| Ethnicity | Native Hawaiian |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Number of Kids | Five |
| Profession | Housewife/Homemaker |
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole: Early Life
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Ceslie-Ann was born an only child, so she got all the love and attention her parents could give.
Her dad, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, known for his talented ukulele playing and gentle music, no doubt sang her lullabies to bed. His most famous song, Over the Rainbow, can put anyone to sleep!
He also nicknamed her (wehi), which in Te Aka Māori is a form of adornment. Interestingly, the word is more often used as an interjection. It can either display surprise at how awesome or beautiful something is or how terrible it is.
We don’t think Israel meant the latter when he nicknamed Ceslie that—even if she grew up to be quite the troublemaker that landed herself in jail.
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole: Childhood
Throughout her childhood, Israel and Marlene tried their best to keep Ceslie-Ann out of the spotlight. They kept their life as private as possible, ensuring a happy home for their only daughter.
The couple remained happily wed for 14 years until Israel died before his time. The beloved Hawaiian singer was the heaviest ukulele player the world has seen – having struggled with obesity all his life.
He went into cardiac arrest at the age of 38, weighing an impressive 757 pounds (343 kg) at the time. This didn’t come as a surprise to his fans. The heavy-set musician was in and out of hospitals for most of his life due to his weight.
That said, we imagine his untimely death took a significant toll on his family. Ceslie-Ann was relatively close to her father despite not following in his footsteps or liking the ukulele as much.
Maybe that’s why she went on to be a fugitive and a criminal.
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole: Her Infamous Arrest in 2015
This section is perhaps the only part of the post you’re here for. So, let’s not keep you waiting!
First, you should know that Ceslie-Ann was part of Hawaii’s HOPE Probation Program (Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement).
It’s unclear why exactly Ceslie-Ann was a member of this program. We do know, however, that HOPE was designed to help provide criminals a second chance at life – to start over and be better with the help of law enforcers.
The program’s primary focus is:
- Probationers struggling with drug or substance abuse issues
- Criminals at high risk of returning to jail or violating probation
- Probationers with a history of involvement with the justice system
With that, it’s fair to say that even before her infamous arrest in 2015, Ceslie-Ann already had legal issues. That’s why HOPE took her in.
But Ceslie-Ann proved to be a free spirit. Her freedom meant more to her than getting better.
How Did Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole End Up in Prison?
Wehi’s opportunity came when someone (who was never identified) parked their car, a Mercedes SUV, on Ala Wai Boulevard. The following day, at 7:00 am on February 25, 2015, the car was gone.
Ceslie-Ann had hijacked it at exactly 4:00 pm the day before. There was even an incriminating video of her breaking in and driving off in the car.
Our sources couldn’t find why she’d steal a car her father’s fortune could easily afford – but we suspect she was just fed up with living a prison-like life.
Ceslie-Ann could remain in hiding for several weeks before the police caught up with her. At that time, she had made headlines as Hawaii’s most wanted criminal. Her picture was all over the place! There was even a $20,000 warrant for her arrest.
Her freedom was still taken away. Her act of grand theft auto landed her back in jail, where she was facing a lifetime sentence. Ironic, right?
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole: Life After Prison
We’re not sure how many years Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole served in prison. We’ve found, however, that she now lives a peaceful life away from the spotlight.
We’re happy to tell you that Wehi lives up to her name. She’s married with five kids and undoubtedly has a beautiful home, given her father’s impressive fortune.
Not much is known about Ceslie-Ann these days. She has no socials and is rarely spotted. So, we haven’t uncovered much about her husband, the state of their marriage, or the names and genders of her kids.
But we have a little nugget for you: Kiara and Elijah Parker-Kamakawiwoole.
This lovely sibling pair are two of Ceslie-Ann’s kids, whose ukulele skills have taken center stage in her life. Their renditions of their late grandfather’s music have moved her to tears on multiple occasions.
It’s nice to know that Israel’s legacy lives on!
Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole: Wrap Up
Being a celebrity’s only child comes with its challenges. And despite Ceslie-Ann’s run-in with the law and the regrettable years she had, the woman still managed to turn her life around.
So, even if you just remember her for making headlines back in 2015, now you know that she lives a happy life as a devoted wife and wonderful mother.
