'Auntie Violet' Liliko'i, Island entertainer, dead at 76
By Wade Kilohana Shirkey
Advertiser Staff Writer
Auntie Violet Pahu Liliko'i, 76, one of Hawai'i's musical legends and frequent musical companion of Genoa Keawe, died at home March 13, of complications from diabetes.
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"Auntie Violet," as she was known, had a career that lasted a half century. She started out performing in her childhood home, standing on a spiral staircase that her entertainer father built just so the 9-year-old girl could reach the top of her bass. Before she was done she had played for kings and presidents.
"Auntie Violet" began her career with Genoa Keawe at Honolulu Harbor Boat Days, playing 'ukulele for arriving passengers.
She became a fixture on the developing Hawaiian music scene, playing such venues as Waikiki Tavern, Waikiki Sands, Club Polynesia, Polynesian Palace, Kodak Hula Show, and a five-year stint on the S.S. Independence. She played alongside Hilo Hattie, Leina'ala Simerson, Pauline Kekahuna, Vickie Rodrigues and Leilani Sharpe Mendez.
One of her longest associations would be a 64-year friendship with noted Island performer Keawe. The two were recipients of Duke's Canoe Club Waikiki's Ho'okahiko Award last year for pioneering efforts in perpetuating Hawaiian music and culture.
Keawe dedicated a Hilo concert yesterday to her partner, friend and "sister," provoking tearful reminisces from the crowd.
Keawe is booked as a headliner on Maui the night of the funeral, and she expects a tearful reception when she dedicates a few of Liliko'i's favorite songs: "Po'ina 'Ole," "Don't Forget," "Piha Hau'oli," and Liliko'i's trademark, frisky "Chickadee."
"She was blessed," Keawe said. "She knew many of the (old) songs no one remembers. I will miss her."
Keawe and Liliko'i began their musical careers with Honolulu Harbor Boat Days, playing 'ukulele and bass for arriving passengers. Liliko'i also played guitar and 'ukulele, and steel guitar with entertainer husband, the late steel guitarist, Edward.
The pair sang with Alfred Apaka at Fort DeRussy, for 18 years at the 'Ilikai Hotel, and were discovered by Lucky Luck on his television show, "Lucky's Lu'au."
The musical duo was also entertainment and worldwide traveling partners with many of the state's foremost entertainers, such as Kekua Fernandes, Ainsley Halemanu, Val Kepilino, Billy Hew Len and Peter Ahia, and many of Hawai'i's foremost halau, including Auntie Rose Joshua, John Ka'imikaua, O'Brien Eselu, Auntie Lei Sharpe Mendez, and even halau from Japan.
In 1985, Auntie Violet recorded her first album, "The Liliko'i Family," with her six children. She has passed on her legacy to her daughters, "The Liliko'i Sisters."
For a week before her death, after she had returned home from the hospital, "Her kids were at her bedside daily," said Keawe, singing to her until she died.
She is survived by children, Violet Ah Mow, Lenore Harris, Ching-Lu, Pearl Gomez, Irma Pruitt, Edward Liliko'i and Elaine Kekahuna; 18 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Nuuanu Memorial Park Mortuary; services 7 p.m. Or call 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the mortuary; services 10 a.m. Burial will be 1 p.m. at Ka'ahumanu Cemetery. Aloha attire is requested.
