William Yoshito Ka’aha’ike Kaluakini, Sr.
May 15, 1944 – June 18, 2020
William “Billy” Yoshito Ka’aha’ike Kaluakini, Sr., 76 of Makawao, Maui, passed away on June 18, 2020 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Wailuku on May 15, 1944.
He is survived by his wife, Iris Cabacungan Kaluakini, his son, William “Billy Boy” Kaluakini, his daughter, Kahealani “Kahea” Kaluakini, his mo’opuna, Palaile Knochel and Tyliah Kaowili-Peko, his brother Leo (Merle) Kaluakini, his sisters, Charlene Enriquez of California, Dawn Kaluakini and Daryl (Henry) Atay, and many nieces, grand nieces, nephews and grand nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Leopold and Marion Fujimoto Kaluakini and his sisters Leona (George) Tanaka and Rhuelon Kaluakini.
Billy was a veteran with the Hawai’i National Guard, Company C in Lahaina and moved on to Headquarters at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. He then was employed and retired at Maui Land and Pineapple Co. after 39 years. Billy was deeply involved with many sports on Maui. He paddled for Hawaiian Canoe Club under the founder, the late, Uncle John Lake. Aunty Kealoha Lake passed the reign on to Billy to run the club where he coached and paddled for many years. Then he started playing softball. Billy founded the Ka’aha’ike Softball Club where he coached the men, women, co-ed and master teams. Billy was known as the “Godfather of Softball” Tournament for 25 years. Teams from the neighbor islands, mainland and professionals joined the tournament. He was also an umpire for USSSA. If Billy was not involved in sports, he was volunteering for the Special Olympics where he volunteered at Camp Imua Olowalu and Camp Imua Keanae. He also volunteered at the Kau Kau Kitchen at Good Shepard Church in Wailuku.
Billy was loved and will be truly be missed by all who knew him. Iris, Billy Boy, Kahea, Palaile and Tyliah wish to express their aloha and mahalo to all those who have impacted his life. Mahalo ke aloha nui, the Kaluakini and Cabacungan ‘Ohana.
Services will be held at Norman’s Mortuary with Mass to follow at St. Anthony Church. Scattering of ashes will be at a later date.
Condolences to: www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com