Sarah M. Kailikea, Kaua'i cultural resource, dead at 92
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
Sarah M. "Aunty Sarah" Kailikea, a composer, chanter and expert in Hawaiian history and culture best known for her work in Nawiliwili, Kaua'i, died Feb. 25 at her home in Kailua, Kona. She was 92.
Advertiser library photo • 1981
Born in Kipu, Kaua'i, she studied ancient religious practices, chant, hula, legends and language under David Bray and Mary Kawena Puku'i.
"Aunty Sarah" Kailikea operated Menehune Gardens, a botanical tourist attraction.
Along with her late husband, Melvin, Kailikea ran two Nawiliwili concerns: Luau Garden, a nightclub popular in the 1940s and 1950s; and Menehune Gardens, a botanical garden and tourist attraction that featured folklore presentations and cultural shows from 1963 to 1992.
During that period she cared for native plants as well as a century-old Chinese banyan tree known as the largest of its kind in Hawai'i. A two-acre brush fire destroyed a large portion of the tree in August 2000.
In 1981, Kailikea was a chanter at the inauguration of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on the steps of 'Iolani Palace. She received a "Living Treasure" award from the Kaua'i Museum in 1995.
Kailikea is survived by sons, Melvin Jr. and Malcolm; daughter, Leila Christensen; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Norton and Joseph Malina.
A graveside memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Lihue Public Cemetery, Kaua'i. Aloha attire.
Donations to Lihue First Church can be sent to: P.O. Box 1812, Lihu'e, HI 96766. Arrangements by Borthwick Hawaii Funeral Home.
Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.
