Robert Hiolomaikalani Makuakane

Robert “Maku” Hiolomaikalani Makuakāne, 85, of Brier, Washington, formerly of Pāhala, Hawaiʻi, passed away peacefully at home on August 14, 2025. Born March 19, 1940 in ʻŌpihikao, Hawaiʻi, Robert was the son of Thomas Makuakāne and Kaulaokeahi Hattie Makua.

After graduating from Hilo High School in 1958, he served in the United States Navy as a radioman until his honorable discharge in 1962. Returning home, he worked as a welder at Jensen Welding and Hilo Iron Works, then as a bartender and security at Islander Nite Club, then owned and managed Muntz Stereo City in Hilo and Kona. For 18 years he was a Police Officer for the Hawaiʻi County Police Department. Later, he served as a councilman for the district of Kaʻū and retired in 1998 as the Mayor's Executive Assistant for the County of Hawai’i.

After retiring, he returned to work as the School’s Safety Manager for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School before moving to Brier, Washington. Robert was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of Pāhala Assembly of God Church, BPOE-Hilo Lodge, F & AM Hilo Chapter #1, Keaukaha Catholic Youth Organization, and the Kamehameha Canoe Club. He was also a leader in many organizations, including serving as president of Hilo Jaycees, Kaʻū Fishermen Association, Hui ʻO Kōkua ʻO Kaʻū, Kaʻū Community Association, Kaʻū High School Athletic Association, Kaʻū High School Band Booster, and the Kaʻū High School Community Council. He was a dedicated coach for the girls’ volleyball, basketball, golf and bowling teams at Kaʻū High School, where he also served as an assistant football coach. In his youth, he played on the Kawananakoa volleyball and softball teams.

He is survived by wife, June Makuakāne; sons, the late John (Ann) Makuakāne, Scott (Kaila) Makuakāne; daughters, the late Dianne (Michael) Omija, Robin Makuakāne-Hall (Jeramy Hall), Julie (Jeffrey) Blanco, Jennifer (Cy Lopez Jr.) Makuakāne; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 5:00pm at Pāhala Community Center in Kaʻū, Hawaiʻi. A scattering of ashes will be held at his cherished fishing spot, Ka Lae (South Point, Kaʻū) on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 8:00am.