Jeanette Waimea Kahahane-Fakavai

October 17, 1959 – July 29, 2025

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeanette W. Kahahane-Fakavai, who left this world on July 29, 2025, in Lahaina, Hawai‘i, at the age of 65. Born on October 17, 1959, in Wailuku, Maui, to Mildred and George Kahahane, Jeanette lived a life rooted in faith, laughter, devotion, and the kind of love you felt before it was ever spoken.

Jeanette was the beloved wife of Fenuki Fakavai, her best friend and constant companion. She adored “going riding” with him any excuse to tag along, she was in. Whether it was running errands or just a drive, she simply wanted to be by his side.

She was a devoted mother to Asheley Kahahane (Sosifa Malafu), Adam (Koleti) Fakavai, and Ilaise (Brion) Davis; She was a fiercely proud Mama of Fenuki Fakavai-Baho, Lenea Malafu, Ofamooni Fakavai, Naomi Malafu, Ho‘okela Davis, and Cody Davis. These kids were her world. She never missed a game, event, or opportunity to cheer them on—with snacks in one hand and pride in the other.

Jeanette is also survived by her siblings Luana (✝️Ronald) Ferguson, Momi (✝️Hanalei) Peters, Georgette Kahahane and sister-in-law Josephine Kahahane, wife of the late Geroge Kahahane Jr. She was welcomed in Heaven by her brothers Melvin (✝️Patricia) Kahahane, George (Josephine) Kahahane Jr. and sister Robin Kahahane.

Jeanette was the kind of mom and Mama who cooked like she was feeding an army—because often, she was. She’d whip up a meal, and still ask, “You like more? Get some more!” And if you did something that had obvious consequences (you knew better!), she was the first to nurse you back and the first to give you the lecture you didn’t want but absolutely needed. Always with love. Always with purpose. She was loyal to the bone. If you needed someone, she showed up. And if you messed up, she still showed up but with the “you see, you see” and “I love you, but I told you so!” Jeanette loved hard. She found joy everyday whether it was a grandchild’s baseball game, performance, or just a cruise with Fenuki. Her presence filled a room with her laugh and her scoldings were legendary in the best way. She didn’t ask for much but gave everything she had. Her life was a lesson in unconditional love, in showing up for people, and not letting anyone leave hungry.

She will be deeply missed and our memories with her will forever be cherished.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Norman’s Mortuary in Wailuku, Maui. Family visitation will be from 8:00 a.m., public visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Maui Memorial Park Cemetery- Garden of Meditation at 2:00 p.m.