Hawaiian healer Mahilani Poepoe, 58
By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui Bureau
KAHULUI, Maui — Maui healer Mahilani Poepoe traveled around the world, bringing her wisdom, peace and Native Hawaiian traditions to other lands.
"She was a visionary, healer and sacred soul who was aligned with the divine avatars of grace," said entertainer Lei'ohu Ryder.
Services are scheduled this morning for Poepoe, 58, of Kahului, who died Nov. 23 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kahului.
She was born April 19, 1946, in Wai'anae, and learned the traditions of Hawai'i from kupuna across the state. She married at the age of 15 to Daniel Poepoe Sr. and together they worked in the Mormon Church.
After her husband died in 1997, Poepoe's healing powers blossomed. She held clinics where she taught and practiced the art of lomilomi massage, offered la'au lapa'au herbal remedies and conducted ho'oponopono peacemaking sessions.
With a photographic memory, she learned massive amounts of genealogy. She not only memorized local genealogies but she was well-versed in the genealogies of other Pacific islanders.
She also was in demand as a speaker on peace issues from New Zealand to Israel. She also spoke at the United Nations.
Ryder, who considers herself one of her hanai daughters, traveled with Poepoe, performing music at her presentations. "Her purpose was to heal the world," Ryder said. "Her legacy will continue after her passing, because the seeds are everywhere."
Poepoe touched many lives on Maui as well. "When Auntie Mahi Poepoe passed Maui lost a warm and wonderful light, quite possibly the most compassionate being I have ever met," said a friend, JaneAnn Dow of Pukalani.
"Auntie accepted you by the size of your heart, not the color of your skin or where you came from. She shared her wisdom with everyone worldwide, yet remained present for anyone needing her healing, her teaching, her spirit or the touch of her hand," Dow said.
She is survived by two sons, Daniel Poepoe Jr. and James "Sunao" Poepoe; a daughter, Daniellyn "Ollie" Poepoe; four sisters, Ipo Kon, Harriet Gomes, Malia White and Oni White; and six brothers, Ben Mendez, Gerek White, Kala McShane, Nelson Kane, Kawai Cockett and Bumpy Kanahele.
Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.
