Melva Mae Momi Quilan Wong Kaopuiki, 74, of Kapolei entered into eternal rest on Oct. 11, 2026, after a 13 year battle with ovarian cancer. Born July 24, 1952 in Pāhala, Kaʻū, she was a retired telephone operator at GTE Hawaiian Tel, an author, actor, influencer, and entrepreneur.
She is survived by husband Joseph N. Kaopuki, Jr.; son Kawena (Kelly) Brown; daughters: Hiwalani (Lance) Chang, and Kauʻi (Adam) Haʻi; brothers: Alfred “Butch” Wong Jr., Gaylord “Bobo” (Janis) Wong, and Deric Wong; sisters: Shawnette (William) Stewart and Ivona (Delano) Glovick; sister in-laws: Charmin Wong, Kim Ebanez, JoAnne Ebanez, Theresa Lee, Tanya Oetjen, Joyce Wond, June Lareau, Monica Kaopuiki, and Starlite Bell; brother in-laws: Mariano Carlos, Sr., and Paul Lee; Uncle Magdaleno (Terry) Ibanes; Aunties: Celerine Lumanlan, Dolla-Julia (Domi) Ibanes-Rances, Aurelia Ibanes, Mary Ibanes, Margaretha Ibanes-Burns, and Palabia-Laly Ebanez; hānai grandsons: Nashen Kahuena-Chang, Dylan,Tyler & Ryan Beach; hānai great-grandsons: Everson & Ryder Beach; hānai great-granddaughter: Destiny Beach; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Melva is welcomed in heaven by her parents: Irene Kaliko Brown and Miguel Ebanez; brothers: Richard Wong, Robert Ebanez, and Almarich Ebanez; sisters: Anna May Carlos, Alrene (Jay) Hurley, and Joycelyn Yim; sister in-laws Helene Wong, and Margaret "Pumpkin" Kahawai.
In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, painting, quilting, gardening, watching live plays, writing poetry, authoring childrenʻs stories, and watching Korean drama shows.
Services: 11 a.m. Sat. Jan. 16, 2027, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Makakilo Stake Center. Luncheon to follow.
Scattering: 12p.m Saturday Jan. 30, 2027, at Happiness Gardens 89 Lihiwai St. Hilo, HI 96720. Luncheon to follow.
