- Date Of Birth: July 18, 1937
- Date Of Death: November 16, 2021
- City: Honolulu
- State: Hawaii
On the morning of Tuesday, November 16, 2021, Iwalani Rodriguez (nee Lum- King) of Port St Lucie, Florida, died at the age of 84.
Iwalani was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Charles and Mildred in 1937. She was the beloved wife of 56 years to the World Golf Hall of Fame member, Chi Chi Rodriguez. She is survived by her husband, daughter, Donnette Markham, sister, Annette “Apple” Wong, and brother Henry “Frani” Lum-King, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In 1957, Iwalani was a runner-up for the title of Miss Hawaii, a Pau rider, and a member of the Hula Hall of Fame. She was a professional Hula dancer and model. She and Chi Chi met in San Juan, Puerto Rico, when she was part of a Polynesian dance troupe in a show called, “Barefoot in Paradise”. Chi Chi fell in love at first sight.
She loved the ocean, dancing, flowers, and her dear Shih Tzu, Mewlan.
Her good friend, Judith described Iwalani’s life perfectly in the following:
“A long time ago a beautiful child was born on a tropical paradise.
A land of flowers, rainbows, and indescribable beauty.
She grew up on this ocean island; surfing, playing sports, making leis, and dancing.
She met the love of her life and together they shared 56 years of countless adventures.
It is with a heavy heart that we say Aloha to this precious soul.
She will live on forever in our hearts.
A Hui Hou Kākou Iwalani.” (Until we meet again)
