George Kiyoichi Sano

George Sano was born on October 18, 1923, in Wailuku, Hawaii, to George and Sei Sano. He attended Wailuku Elementary, Iao School and Baldwin High School before pursuing higher education on the mainland. He graduated from Bradley University and later earned his master’s degree from San Francisco State University.

After completing his studies at Bradley, George returned home and began teaching at Iao School for several years before moving to Hawai’i Island, where he taught at Honoka’a High School. It was there that he discovered a passion for woodworking and honed his craft.

George was later given the opportunity to teach drafting at Maui Technical School. As the school evolved into Maui Community College (now the University of Hawai’i Maui Campus), George advanced to the role of assistant to the provost. During this time, he also obtained his contractor’s license in 1979 and went on to build several homes in Pukalani for Frank Munoz.

Following his retirement from Maui Community College, George took on the role of Project Manager for the construction of the Hyatt Regency Maui. Thanks to his diligence, permits were secured for the hotel’s location next to an adjacent graveyard, allowing the project to move forward. Once the project was completed and the hotel opened, he continued serving as Assistant to the General Manager.

In retirement, George dedicated himself to woodworking, specializing in Koa. He created remarkable works including a model of the Hokule’a, clocks and wooden carvings of the Hawaiian Islands. His models of the Hokule’a were donated to the Bailey House and Kahului Airport. You can also see the islands of Hawaii prominently displayed in the hospitals entrance. He also handcrafted elegant Koa dining tables with matching chairs. As he grew older, he focused on smaller projects such as letter openers, jewelry boxes, magnets and canes each piece reflecting his artistry and love of the craft.

Above all, George is known for his dedication to education, his creativity, and his generous spirit. His legacy lives on not only through the students he taught and the structures he helped build, but also in the beauty of the Koa pieces he lovingly crafted and shared with the community. He touches many lives with his talents, kindness, and quiet perseverance, leaving behind a lasting imprint on all who know him.

A celebration of George’s life will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Ballard Family Mortuary Kahului. Visitation will begin at 9:30am; service to start at 10am. Burial will follow, 1pm at the Maui Veteran’s Cemetery in Makawao.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn. He is survived by his children, Gregory “Greg” Sano (Jenny), Keith Sano (Regina), Faith “Keiko” Armanini (Douglas); 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; nieces & nephews.