Edward Kapahu Alakai

Ed served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for many years of active duty before continuing his commitment in the reserves. He retired with the rank of Sergeant in 1994.

Ed began work early, helping the family when they moved from Kauai to Oahu. Although he was unable to finish high school at that time, Ed returned to school when time permitted and earned his GED and received his diploma. He was granted a provisional license in his late teens and began operating heavy equipment at Ft. Shafter. In time he became a trucker, working in the transportation division at Fort Shafter and Schofield Barracks, where he worked his way up from truck driver to dispatcher, and finally to supervisor of the motor pool. After retiring from Civil Service, Ed grew bored with the inactivity and went to work for a further ten years at Title Guaranty Hawaii.

Known for his humor and fun-loving spirit, Ed happily joined in to many activities; when he was younger, he loved to surf and swim, and later some of his favorites were bowling, traveling, dancing and singing; he enjoyed singing in a church choir, he was a member of the Kapolei Choral for a time, and of course he was always up for karaoke. Talking story was one of his favorite pastimes and he was perhaps happiest sharing about growing up on Kauai. He reminisced about time spent with his brother, his cousins, and many friends, shared stories about his Tutu man and Tutu lady and so much more. Ed cherished any time spent with family, from small get togethers to big celebrations, and to anyone just stopping by. Ed loved with his whole heart. He will be missed, but our memories will keep him close.

Edward is survived by his wife Elizabeth; sons Edward “Bo” Alakai Jr., Jacob “Jake” Alakai (wife Cheryl), son William “Billy” Alakai; daughter Leona Alakai (husband Alonzo Pitt Jr.); brother Robert “Bob” Alakai Jr. (wife Becky); 26 grandchildren; 82 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Donna Kamai (née Alakai).

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hawaii Memorial Park and Cemetery, located at 45-425 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, Hawaii. A service will follow from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the same location. Beverages and bento will be offered after the service. Those who wish may gather for graveside services, which will be held 1:00 PM.