Puaala Victoria Kekiwi

Puaala Victoria Kekiwi, 83, of Haʻikū, Maui, peacefully passed into eternal rest on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her ʻohana. Puaala was the beloved wife of the late Jerome Kekiwi Sr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love, faith, and family.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Jeremy “Bo” (Brenda) Kekiwi; Jessie-Ellen (Jeff) Kekiwi-Aweau; Jennifer Kekiwi-Brown; and Jerome (Laʻakea) Kekiwi Jr. She was joyfully reunited in heaven with her beloved sons, Jeffrey “Buck” Kekiwi, and George Brown.

She also leaves behind her treasured hānai children, Sloane (Cassie) Sako, Naupaka (Tasha) Sako, Donna Thomas, Kimo (Ludy) Thomas and Kimberly (Mahi) Thomas Namahoe whom she loved as her own.

Puaala's greatest joy was her ʻohana. She was blessed with 32 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, all of whom were deeply touched by her unwavering love, wisdom, and generosity.

Born on Oʻahu, Puaala was the fifth of thirteen children born to the late Henry and Sarah Kaʻauamo. She was the elder of the beloved twin sisters, Puaala and Puanani, whose bond of love, strength, and shared experiences remained special throughout their lives. Together they were raised in the close-knit communities of Wailuanui and Keʻanae.

Puaala is survived by her brothers, Blaise Kaʻauamo and Anthony (Vicky) Kaʻauamo, Brother in-law, Joseph Kekiwi Sr.; and her sisters, Awapuhi Carmichael, Kiele Frame, Opuʻulani Kuluhiwa, Healani (Edrick) McDade, and Ehukai (Robert) Alidon. She was preceded in death by her brothers Henry (Pansy) Kaʻauamo, Frank (Eloise) Kaʻauamo, and Fred Kaʻauamo; her brothers-in-law Daniel Carmichael, Bill Frame, Walter Kuluhiwa, and Kaipo Kimokeo; and her sisters Puanani Kaʻauamo and Pualani Kimokeo.

Puaala worked for the County of Maui at Kaunoa Senior Center before taking an early retirement to lovingly care for her husband. She also helped raise many of her moʻopuna, quietly teaching them life's greatest lessons through her own example. She instilled the values of faith, hard work, generosity, respect for the land, and unconditional love—not through words alone, but through the way she lived each day.

Above all else, Puaala was devoted to her family, steadfast in her Catholic faith, and deeply connected to the Hawaiian culture and ʻāina she loved so dearly. Her life was one of quiet service, humility, resilience, and unconditional love.

Her legacy will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended ʻohana, and the many lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and aloha. Though she will be deeply missed, the traditions she preserved, the lessons she taught, and the love she so freely shared will continue to inspire generations to come.

The Kekiwi and Kaʻauamo ʻohana extend their heartfelt mahalo to all who have offered their love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. A special mahalo to Laʻakea Yasso, Jessie-Ellen Kekiwi-Aweau, Father Paul K. of St.Rita’s Parish, Hospice Maui, Sabrina Gumtang, Janel Fernandez, Napualani Spock, Jennifer Crouse, and her devoted volunteer, Darcy Davis, for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Puaala and our ʻohana.

Funeral services for Puaala Victoria Kekiwi will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Christ the King Church in Kahului

Family viewing will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by public visitation at 9:00 a.m.

Prayer Service will begin at 12:00 p.m., with cremation to follow.

Ballard Family Mortuary is assisting the Kekiwi ʻohana with the arrangements.