Edlynne Wai Yung Maku'e

Edlynne Wai Yung (Chow) Makuʻe was born on July 27, 1948, to Edward Kui Shin Chow and Bessie Mydell Chow, both of whom preceded her in death. She passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2026, surrounded by her grandchildren, daughters, niece, and sister. She was preceded by her husband, Refford Makuʻe Sr. She was the beloved middle child of three siblings and is lovingly survived by Jenifer (Chow) Igoe and Edward (Vicky) Chow.

Edlynne was a 1966 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. As a young woman, she studied hula under the guidance of Kumu Hula Rose Joshua and Henry Pa, a passion that blossomed into a remarkable opportunity to perform internationally. Grandma Joshua gave Edlynne the name U’ilaniku’ulei. Through dance, she shared the beauty and spirit of Hawaiʻi with audiences around the world, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

In her professional life, Edlynne worked in various administrative and clerical positions in the visitor industry and education. While working at Tradewind Tours in Honolulu, she met her second husband, Allen Pokipala. She moved to Denver, Colorado, for a few years and worked at the Fairmont. Later, she traveled to Washington, D.C., with her daughter Robbie to take her to college, and stayed for a while, taking a job as an Administrative Assistant at Howard University before returning home to Hawai’i

Above all else, Edlynne's greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of her two daughters, Roblynne Moʻilani Pokipala of Honolulu and Angelique Hulali (John) Pokipala-Kahula of Maui. She also had a special connection with her niece Kimberly U’ilaniku’ulei Chow-Rule, who carries Edlynne’s name.

Her role as "Grandmama" was one she treasured most. She leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Risha (Cade) Newman, Kevynne (Cameron) Pokipala-Harris, Lithe (Lindsey) Pokipala-Pagnini, Sterling (Justin) Layco, and Nyles Pokipala-Waiohu. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to her life. Her love for her grandchildren knew no bounds, and they will forever carry with them the warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love she so generously gave.

Edlynne valued quality in all things and never settled for anything less than the best. She chose with intention, lived with conviction, and carried herself without apology. Her independence and clarity of purpose were defining parts of her character. She had a special love for elephants and kept a large collection of ceramic figurines. Her favorite song is “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Edlynne knew how to have fun and had a way of making people laugh and feel loved. Whether sharing stories of her travels, recalling cherished memories of dancing hula, or simply spending time with those she loved, she lived a life filled with compassion, strength, and aloha.

"You Are Loved." Those three simple words reflected the way she lived her life, making others feel seen, cherished, and valued. It is a statement Edlynne repeated and a message that her family will forever hold close to their hearts.

Though our hearts are heavy with her passing, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the family she adored and the countless lives she touched. Our family will continue to honor her memory by living with the same kindness, compassion, and unconditional love that she shared so freely, reminding one another—and everyone we meet—that you are loved.