Roberta Leialoha Kukahiko-Crocker

Roberta was born on January 21, 1955, in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, to the late Lavaina Shioji Lowe and Edward Kukahiko. Throughout her life, she spent time living around the Hawaiian Islands and across the mainland, but no matter where life took her, she always returned to the island of Hawaiʻi, carrying its spirit and memories with her everywhere.

Roberta’s life was defined by her love for her family and her Hawaiian heritage. In her early adult life, while living off the ʻĀina, she could be seen almost every day on the high cliffs, fishing with her dog Bully. Later in life, in the heat of Las Vegas, she would be fishing with her dogs Casper and Booboo, giving away whatever they caught to neighbors instead of keeping it for herself. She loved camping, which was almost always spontaneous and off-grid, and she could talk stories for hours while reminiscing about her keiki days, fishing for salmon in the rivers of Oregon, horseback riding on a friend’s ranch on Maui, and riding her quad in Redrock chasing horses with her dogs. No matter where she lived, she always had a dog or two by her side — including Kona and Charlie in her later years — a constant companion in every chapter of her life. Her adventurous spirit and generosity created moments of laughter and connection wherever she went, and the memories she leaves behind will be cherished by all who knew her.

In her final year, Roberta lived with her eldest daughter, Corinna Nahakuelua, and was also supported by her sister, Edwina Kukahiko of Hilo, and her caregiver, Shauntay Sugse, who was deeply appreciated.

Roberta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne Crocker, who passed in June 2025, and her son, Lawrence Nahakuelua Jr., who is survived by his wife, Maile Nahakuelua of Kona, and their sons, Lawrence “Sonny Boy” III and Lawaiʻa, who remain part of her legacy.

She is also survived by her eldest son, Paul Luis of Hilo, and his daughters, Charlie and CaliMarie; her youngest daughter, Kekai Nahakuelua (Thomas Stoll) of Gilroy, California, and their children, Koa and Kyle Stoll; her niece, Shantel Root (Ryan) of Oregon, and her children, Landon, Lavan, Lokela, and Laʻakea.

She is also survived by her siblings, Randy Lowe of Los Angeles; Lavaina “Mona” Agbigay (Bernardo “Abby”) of Fairfield, California; Maylen Kainoa Kukahiko-Lopez (Rudy) of Palm Springs; Robert Kukahiko (Kaiʻulani) of Palm Springs; and Francis Keliʻi Kukahiko of Oʻahu; her brother-in-law, David “Kawika” Green (Ian McMillan) of Volcano; and a wide extended family of nieces and nephews.

Roberta will be remembered by family and friends across Hawaiʻi and the mainland.

Roberta will be returned to Hawaiʻi, with a celebration of life in Hilo and her final farewell in Kona planned for June 2026, honoring her memory, spirit, and love as a Mom, and reflecting her love for the islands.

Aloha nō, e noho me ke aloha mau, e Māma.

(Farewell with everlasting love, Mom.)

A Life Well Lived

A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength and grace, from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place. It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, with friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy, of joy and pride and pleasure, a living, lasting memory our grateful heart’s will treasure.

-Author Unknown

Your gentle face and patient smile with sadness we recall, you had a kindly word for each and died beloved by all. The voice is mute and stilled the heart that loved us well and true. Ah, bitter was the trial to part from one as good as you. You are not forgotten loved one, nor will you ever be, as long as life and memory last we will remember thee. We miss you now, our hearts are sore, as time goes by, we miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face, no one can fill your empty place.

-Author Unknown