Age and date of death
Don Ho died on May 14, 2007, at the age of 76. He was born on August 13, 1930, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and passed away in his hometown after complications from heart surgery. His death occurred in the early morning at The Queens Medical Center in Honolulu. The cause was attributed to respiratory failure stemming from heart surgery performed shortly before. These details are drawn from official death records and reputable biographical sources that confirm both the date and location of his passing.
Biographical timeline and career context
Placing his age at death within a broader timeline helps clarify his public-life arc. Ho spent decades as a singer, bandleader, and cultural ambassador tied to Hawaiian music. The following table summarizes key biographical milestones that contextualize his career longevity and eventual death at 76.
| Attribute | Verified detail | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | August 13, 1930 | Birth certificate / biography |
| Date of death | May 14, 2007 | Death certificate / news reports |
| Age at death | 76 years old | Calculated from above dates |
| Place of death | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA | Hospital and obituary records |
| Cause of death | Respiratory failure post heart surgery | Coroner / medical reports |
Key career highlights
Ho rose to national prominence in the early 1960s, performing in Las Vegas and through recordings that spread Hawaiian music beyond the islands. His work with The Ali’is and The Mystics, along with his long-running residency shows, underpinned his status as a living icon of Hawaiian entertainment. Understanding these phases clarifies why his career remained relevant across generations.
Clarifying common age-related confusion
Because Ho’s career spanned many decades, some sources inadvertently create confusion about his age at milestone events. It is important to rely on verified dates rather than approximate recollections. Below is a concise comparison that distinguishes rumors or misreported ages from the confirmed record.
- Confirmed: He was 76 at death in 2007.
- Rumor risk: Some mistakenly cite an older age at death; verified records show 76.
- Context: He remained active in performance and charity work into his 70s, which may fuel assumptions about a later career phase.
Legacy and cultural influence beyond age
Ho’s influence extended well beyond the numeric measure of his lifespan. He popularized Hawaiian music and language through television specials, albums, and live performances that reached audiences worldwide. His efforts helped frame Hawaii as both a tourist destination and a place with a rich musical heritage. These contributions remain relevant regardless of how old he was at the time of his death.
Posthumous recognition and remembrance
After his passing, Ho was honored in ceremonies, documentaries, and ongoing tributes at venues in Hawaii that highlight classic Hawaiian performers. These commemorations reflect the durability of his brand and the sustained public interest in his story. They also serve as useful markers for distinguishing lasting cultural impact from short-lived trends.
Summary and takeaways
Don Ho died at age 76 on May 14, 2007, in Honolulu following heart surgery. Born in 1930, his career as a singer and cultural ambassador remained prominent for decades. Reliable records confirm his age at death, clarifying common points of confusion. His legacy persists through continued tributes and his role in shaping the perception of Hawaiian music internationally.