Malia Catalina Nakapaahu

Malia Catalina Malakaua Nakapaahu, affectionately known as "Granny," passed away peacefully at home on January 2, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on August 15, 1933, in Makaweli, Waimea, Kaua'i in the Territory of Hawai'i, she was raised in Maili, O'ahu, and attended Waipahu School.

Granny dedicated much of her career to serving the community through her work at the State Department of Transportation. She initially worked at the Honolulu Airport Maintenance Division before relocating to Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island. There, she transferred to the Ke-ahole Airport Maintenance Division, where she rose to the position of supervisor before retiring in 1999.

In her personal life, Granny was married twice. She first married Gordon Joseph Mann of Fresno, CA, in February 1951. Later, she married Lionel Ewaliko Nakapaahu in Makaweli, Waimea, Kaua'i in 1958. Both of her husbands predeceased her.

After her retirement, Granny returned to O'ahu, where she found joy in raising her great-grandchildren and indulging in her love for Hawaiian music and hula. She cherished the performances presented by her family at the Royal Hawaiian Center and was a devoted supporter of Halau Hula O Maiki for over 45 years.

Granny's life was a testament to her love for her family, her culture, and her community. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

She is survived by daughter Olivia Lee Puakeala Mann; son Gordon Christopher Mann; sister Marcia Alvior Kanoa; grandchildren Leandra Tazhi Pu'uhonua Tavares-Jumawan (Jaden), Abra Rashid Kaulana Tavares-Crisostomo (Eduardo), Kona Mann (Karen), Daniel Mann; great-grandchildren Kalauokalaninui Crisostomo, Kawaikikilani Crisostomo, Kaila Mann, Ha'ahula Crisostomo. Predeceased by father Ariston Sanidad, mother Ana Marie Malakaua Alvior, stepfather Daniel Alvior, sister Martha Kalua Servantes, husband Lionel E. Nakapaahu.

Graveside service to be held at a later date at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Services, Kaneohe. Arrangements by Borthwick Mortuary.