PORT ST LUCIE – On the morning of Tuesday, November 16, 2021, Iwalani Rodriguez of Port St Lucie, Florida died at the age of 84. Iwalani was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Charles and Mildred Lum-King on July 18, 1937. She was the beloved wife of 56 years to World Golf Hall of Fame member, Chi Chi Rodriguez. She is survived by her husband, daughter, Donnette Markham, sister, Annette "Apple" Wong, brother Henry" Frani" Lum-King and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.Iwalani was a professional hula dancer and model. She was a runner up for Miss Hawaii, Pa'u rider, ran for Narcisuss Queen and member of the Hula Hall of Fame. She along with her hula sisters danced at NYC's Lexington Hotel's "Hawaiian Room" and are now known as the Ex-Lex's. 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." For Chi Chi it was love at first sight.
Iwalani loved the ocean, flowers, dancing, her Shih Tzu Mewlan, and missed her island home deeply.
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 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 kakou Iwalani (Until we meet again)
Services for Iwalani will be held on January 18th at Hawaiian Memorial Park on Kamehameha Hwy, visitation is from 9:30am-10:30am, services from 10:30am-11:30am, fellowship 11:30am-12:30pm. She will be laid to rest at the Veteran's in Hawaiian Memorial Park at 1:00pm.
For additional information, go to www.dignitymemorial.com
