Auntie Alice Kuloloio, native healer on Maui, dead at 88

Advertiser Staff

KAHULUI, Maui — Auntie Alice Kuloloio, a revered kupuna and healer who spent much of her later years engaged in Native Hawaiian activism, died Tuesday morning at her Kahului home. She was 88.

Kuloloio joined with young activists to support Native Hawaiian causes that included the movement to stop the military bombing of Kaho'olawe, protests against the closing of Makena Road by developers, and concern over the unearthing of mass burials for a resort at Honokahua.

Auntie Alice offered her support, wisdom and spiritual inspiration at a time when it was unpopular for elders to get involved, said Dana Naone Hall of Hui Alanui O Makena.

"She was the best," Hall said. "She offered us the foundation for so many different kinds of things we did."

Kuloloio was born Nov. 24, 1914, in Pa'uwela, Maui. She worked for Maui Pineapple Co. for 35 years.

She was taught by her mother to identify la'au lapa'au,or medicinal herbs, by the pattern of their veins. Along with the late Uncle Harry Mitchell and the late David Ka'alakea, Kuloloio founded La'au Lapa'au O Maui to help perpetuate the Hawaiian healing art.

Over the years, she served on the boards of numerous Hawaiian organizations, including the Council of Hawaiian Elders. She was also named to the first Maui County Cultural Resources Commission.

"She was so well known on Maui," Hall said. "She could hold her own with (former Maui Mayor) Hannibal Tavares. She could be seen scolding (Maui County) Council members."

Services have yet to be announced.