Osamu Kawakami

After attending Paia School, Maui High School, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Osamu went on to work for the Hawaii Department of Education as a teacher at Kaunoa, Makawao, and Kahului Schools before being promoted to vice principal of Lihikai Elementary. He then became principal of Kualapuu School on Molokai and principal for nine years at his alma mater, Paia Elementary. In 1976, he was selected to be principal of the newly opened Pukalani Elementary, where he remained until retirement after thirty-six years of service.

Osamu was a passionate educator and served as Pukalani school’s boys basketball and girls volleyball coach. He was also employed as a realtor for Maui Realty. Following his retirement, he worked as the Department of Education Maui District A+ Coordinator. Throughout his years, Osamu enjoyed oil painting and was a talented artist who enjoyed creating with his hands.

Osamu is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years Marilyn, son Kyle (Kim) of Kahului, daughter Kisha Kawakami (Mark Makimoto) of Hali’imaile, daughter Oress Kawakami (Neil Tanaka) of Hawaii Kai, daughter Elvina Spoon of Snohomish, Washington, granddaughter Taylie Kawakami (Beau Ward) of Boston and grandson Tai Kawakami of Kahului. He is also survived by brother Harold (Sally) of Las Vegas, sister-in-law Joyce of Kahului, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held in private per the request of the family. The family also requests no monetary gifts or flowers.