Hugo Buetler

April 27, 1942 - March 23, 2025

Hugo Walter Buetler 82 of Kula, passed away peacefully at Hospice Maui on March 23, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday May 21, 2025, at Kahului Ballard Family Mortuary (440 Ala Makani St, Kahului, HI 96732). Visitation from 9-10 am with services beginning at 10 am. Lunch to follow. Family and friends are invited.

Hugo is survived by stepdaughters, Minoaka (Marata) Kapuaahiwalani-Fitzsimmons, and Terry (Rodney) Toba. Goddaughter, Claudia Buetler. Sister, Margrit. Grandchildren, Jason (Elizabeth) Toba, Candace Toba, Jared (Vy) Toba, Kees (Ashley) Mashino and Jai Mashino. Great grandchildren, Emma Toba, Jaxon Toba, Naya Mashino, Pahe Mashino, and Charlotte Toba, along with many nieces and nephews.

Originally from Switzerland, Hugo came to Hawaii in 1968 to work as a sous chef at the Ilikai Hotel in Honolulu before becoming the Executive Chef at the Ala Moana Hotel and then at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1975, Hugo and his wife Shirley opened the popular Mr. Hugo's Restaurant in Kahului. In his retirement, Hugo dedicated himself to cultivating a tropical array of products: flowers, fruits, coffee, and even Christmas trees. With a spirit that roamed the world, Hugo found joy in every culture and flavor, and his absence leaves a vast, empty space in the lives he graced.

At this time the family would like to convey a very special "Mahalo Nui Loa" to the Maui Memorial Medical Center (Maui North Staff), Hui Aloha Maui staff and Hospice Maui for the loving care they gave to Hugo and the support they gave to his Ohana. The family would like to request no koden or floral arrangements (leis accepted) and that any monetary gifts be donated to Hospice Maui.