Melva Mae Momi Quilan Wong Kaopuiki

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-o-Kala-o-Kalani (Kelly) Brown; daughters: Hiwalani (Lance) Chang, and Kauʻionālani (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 Rances, Aurelia Ibanes, Mary Ibanes, and Palabia 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 Jacqueline Yim; sister in-law Helene Wong.

In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, painting, quilting, gardening, watching live plays, writing poetry, authoring children's 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 96707. Luncheon to follow.