Natalie Ann Akuna

Natalie Ann Akuna, born September 4, 1964, in Okinawa, Japan, peacefully made her transition on October 6, 2025. A wahine aloha whose heart was full of love and aloha ʻāina, Natalie embraced life with grace and compassion, touching the hearts of all who knew her.

Born to James Akuna and Lily Enfield Akuna, Natalie was a precious gift to her ʻohana. She lived in the small, close-knit community of Wailuanui, Maui, where she built lifelong friendships and a deep connection to the land and sea. She graduated as valedictorian from Hana High School in 1982, a true testament to her ʻike and dedication. She continued her journey of learning with an Associate’s degree in Business from UH Maui College, always striving to mālama and mālama ʻia by those she loved.

Her greatest treasures were her keiki: Shaylee Awai (Josh Awai), Jerrett Pahukoa (Ciera Rodrigues), and Laya-Ann Akuna (Jansen Roldan). She held close the memory of her son whom she is reunited with, Corey Pahukoa, who now rests in pō with the ancestors. Her heart overflowed with love for her mo‘opuna: Ryze Pahukoa-Moleta, Mali'e Awai, Ciena Joy Pahukoa, Rush Pahukoa-Awai, Koda La'a Pahukoa, Yahmi Pahukoa, Jai Waikani Akuna-Roldan, and Ziggy Pahukoa — her little blessings who brought her joy beyond words.

Natalie shared her life with her beloved boyfriend, Mark Moniz, whose steadfast love was a constant source of comfort and strength. She was surrounded by the love of her siblings Marsha Akuna, Darleen "Dolly" Hinau, Brenda Espaniola, Terry Akuna, and Wendy Miguel, and fondly remembers her late siblings Jim Akuna and Laura Clark.

A wahine of the islands, Natalie found joy in fishing, going holoholo, and especially spending time with her mo‘opuna. Her laughter was like the gentle ocean breeze, her spirit steady like the mountain peaks, and her love deep as the sea.

Please join us in celebrating her life on November 15, 2025, at 10 AM at Ke’anae Landing. Together, we will honor her beautiful journey and the mana‘o she leaves in our hearts.

A hui hou ʻoe, Natalie.

You will forever be a part of our ʻohana and the aina you so deeply loved.