Kanoa Taylor

Kanoa was a Captain by trade, but time on the ocean was also his passion. Kanoa was incredibly skilled and felt lucky and blessed to do the work that he loved. He started working on boats as a young teenager at Maalaea Harbor aboard the Maka Kai, and later, the Prince Kuhio. He then worked for The Four Seasons Resort until he moved to Seattle to continue his maritime career where he was able to acquire his unlimited tonnage license which allowed him to work on ferries in the Seattle area, as well as cruises that took him to Alaska and Mexico mostly under the Hornblower Co. When the Superferry started up in Hawaii, Kanoa was able to return home to the islands. After the closing of the Superferry, Kanoa helped manage the Kaheawa Wind Farm at Maalaea, and then the Auwahi Wind Farm at the Ulupalakua Ranch. Kanoa returned to the water with HMS Global Maritime which led him to the ferries of Manhattan to Governors Island in New York, and then Philadelphia to the Delaware ferry. His last time on the water was on the American Empress along the Columbia and Snake River between Idaho and Oregon.

Kanoa was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in August of 2016 and the disease progressed very quickly. He was able to receive a double lung transplant on March 17th of 2017 at Stanford Healthcare. Kanoa had multiple complications, and was hospitalized many times, but we are incredibly thankful to his donor as we had an additional two years of life with him. The care that Kanoa received from Stanford, as well as the John Muir Hospital was nothing short of amazing. All of the medical Doctors, Nurses, social workers, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist allowed us to have this time with Kanoa. The kindness and diligence of his doctor on Maui, Dr. Maxi West who facilitated the hospitalization and then arrangement of Kanoa being medevaced to Stanford was miraculous.

Kanoa was predeceased by his father, Ward Taylor. He is survived by his mother, Christine Taylor and his Wife, Marguerite ‘Margo’ Young; daughter ShayeLeigh Clemente, stepdaughters Ka’iulani Kamau and Kamele Kamau. Brothers Miles (Lori) Taylor, Aaron Taylor, Gavin (Nicki) Taylor and sister Shokai (Rich) Tyler. Sister-in-law Isla (Donald) Young-Nakooka. Many nieces, nephews and a grand-niece and 2 grand-nephews.

Kanoa was a very kind hearted man with the biggest smile, big hugs, and did not want for much. He has left us too soon. He will be so missed by many family and friends.