Shannon Kau'ionalani Kahumoku

April 6, 1970 ~ October 2, 2013

Our vibrant Shannon Kau’ionalani, known throughout her life as Kau’i, unexpectedly passed away on October 2, 2013. She was born in Honolulu, HI on April 6, 1970. Her name, Kau’ionalani, especially chosen for her at birth, means “the beautiful one of the heavens.” She began her love of travel before she was a year old, moving with her parents to Germany. Besides Germany, Kau’i lived in Spain with Danyel for a year and traveled extensively throughout Europe.

Kau’i lived in Seaside with her family and attended Monterey High School and graduated from California State University Monterey Bay. She recently helped organize her Monterey High 25th reunion. Kau’i began playing softball at age nine and never waivered in her love of softball or sports. She played with a team up until her untimely death.

Kau’i would tell everyone her biggest and most enduring love and joy was her daughter, Danyel Charity. In addition to her daughter, Kau’i is survived by her mother and stepfather, Cynthia and Michael Bennett, her sisters, Kalei (Sancho) Eskridge, Kapua Kahumoku, her stepbrother Steven Bennett, her nephew, Sancho, and nieces Hinala’i and Kapoli Eskridge and Stephanie and Samantha Bennett. There are numerous Kahumoku family members in Hawaii as well.

Kau’i held many different jobs including waitress, night auditor and computer instructor most recently. She worked very hard and played joyously throughout her life. Kau’i never met anyone who wasn’t a friend and she was always ready to help anyone who needed it. She loved life, loved sports, loved her family and friends and treasured her time with her daughter.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to an account in the name of Danyel C. Kahumoku at Chase Bank, account #518363879. A joyous celebration of Kau’i’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the Filipino Hall at 629 Pearl St., Monterey, CA from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.