Edward Barenaba Pakaki

Edward “Eddie” Barenaba Pakaki, 88, of Kuau, Maui passed away on July 6, 2023 with his wife and daughter Johnalyn at his side. Eddie was born January 6, 1935 in Kuau to the late Ernest Enoka Pakaki and Violet (Kepaa/Kahiapo) Pakaki. After the early passing of his Mother, Eddie stayed in Kuau until he was a teenager earning the nickname ‘Darling Palinapa” given to him by family. Later he was hanai by Helen Kenolio and moved to Kihei. Eddie graduated from Baldwin HS, class of ’54. An artist, he painted the mural at his high school and went on to Honolulu Art Academy on a scholarship and worked at Alfred Sheehan Designs to help support himself. Later in the Army, Eddie spent time in Korea and Japan.Returning to the mainland, he met Angeline Moreno and started their family, eventually coming back to Maui. After working at Maui Pine, he worked on the Lahaina Sugar Cane Train, first helping build it, then as engineer, fireman and singing conductor. He met his current wife Carol who was riding on a free ticket she won at her school party @ Maunaolu College. They moved to Kenwood, CA where Eddie enjoyed building greenhouses and driving trucks for lumber companies. His years in the muddy cane fields made him the hero on the steep and slippery mountain road deliveries of Sonoma County. They labeled his truck “Big Kahuna”. Every year the family returned to Maui to see family and friends and work on the Kuau house as “papa could fix anything”.Moving back to Maui to spend time with the ohana, Eddie and Carol worked together @ Leilani Kai Resort for 14 years. Eddie shared his big heart and big smile with the guests as he talked story with them about Hawaii. On pupu nights he would play his ukulele and sing old Hawaiian songs in his golden voice and giggle when he threw in a rascal song. His music and song will be missed by all. In quiet times he painted, enjoyed kanikapila weekends, treating us to our favorite foods.His joy was travelling to see family on other Islands, Calif., Las Vegas for Class Reunions and “Just the Boys” trips with his son-in-law. He loved being Grandpa, Papa and GG Man and always wanted to know everything they were doing. We talked often about our journey together, the good times with our family /extended families, our friends on both sides of the ocean and about how grateful we were for everyone’s help and love along the way. His kind and loving eyes, his beautiful smile, his laugh and his mischievous grin will always be with us. He is forever in our hearts.He is survived by his wife Carol Pakaki, brother Moses Pakaki (Jane) and sister Angelina Aina, Children Sylvia, Pearl, Anson, Ruby, Myron, David, Haunani and Johnalyn. , 25+ grandchildren and 10+great grandchildren.Funeral services will be held at Ballard’s Mortuary on Weds, August 2nd, 2023. Family visitation 8:00am. Public Visitation 9:00am. Service @ 10:00 with lunch to follow.August 26, 2023 will be a celebration of his life In Kenwood @Kenwood Depot. Details to follow.