Vickie I'i Rodrigues

Victoria Keali‘ika‘apunihonua I‘i Rodrigues (November 14, 1912 – July 22, 1987) was a Hawaiian musician and entertainer. Born into a Native Hawaiian family with strong musical roots, Rodrigues preserved and shared traditional Hawaiian songs that might otherwise have been lost, including "Hawai‘i Aloha," "Kaulana Nā Pua," and "Paoakalani". She was honored by multiple organizations for her contributions to Hawaiian culture, including being inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 1995.

Early life and education

Victoria Keali‘ika‘apunihonua I‘i was born in Honolulu on November 14, 1912. Her family was full of musicians and storytellers dedicated to preserving and sharing Native Hawaiian culture.

She was a member of multiple choirs and glee clubs, including the Honolulu Girls Glee Club and the Royal Hawaiian Girls Glee Club. The latter album used her honorific form of name on its cover: "Auntie Vickie Sings".

Death and honors

Rodrigues died in her home on July 22, 1987. Rodrigues was an honoree of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 1995 as part of its inaugural group of inductions.

The 99th annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest, held in 2019, was given the theme "Nā Mele ‘Ohana: The Musical Legacy of Vickie Ii Rodrigues," celebrating the stories, songs, and dances shared by Vickie and the Rodrigues family.