Posted on: Saturday, January 29, 2005

Dancer Lydia Kamakawiwo'ole

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Lydia Ka'ehukai Kamakawiwo'ole Kauakahi, wife of Louis "Moon" Kauakahi of The Makaha Sons and sister of the late entertainers Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and Skippy Kamakawiwo'ole, died Tuesday. She was 49.

"She's with her entire family now — that's one comforting thought," said her husband, a key member of The Makaha Sons, with whom her hula halau, Halau Kahauola, performed in the early years when the group was known as The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau.

Kauakahi was the last of the Kamakawiwo'ole siblings: Bruddah Iz died June 26, 1997; Skippy on Oct. 1, 1982; and sister Evangeline Leilani on June 25, 1987.

In a phone conversation yesterday from Los Angeles, shortly after he arrived on a flight from Honolulu, Louis Kauakahi said he felt obligated to go forward with this weekend's sold-out Makaha Sons shows at Whittier College last night and tonight. He delayed his travel a day to complete funeral arrangements.

"Lydia had been ill for a while. She got out of the hospital a few months ago, but she would not say how sick she was," said Kauakahi. " 'I'm fine, I'm OK,' she would always say, never imposing on anyone. But she had a weak heart, asthma and an ulcer. I believe the combination of factors led to her death."

Though recently inactive as a kumu hula because of her failing health, she was quick to help and advise others whenever possible.

"Whoever came over the house to learn a certain song, Lydia would teach," said Kauakahi. "She always helped."

Kauakahi recalled that after a lengthy hospital stay, she had particular joy and pleasure to return home to tend to their grandchildren. "She tried so hard to get well, so she could hold her grandson Gillen; when he turned 1 last November, she was home for his birthday — and also when he took his first steps."

She was born Dec. 7, 1955, in Honolulu, and lived in Pearl City.

She also is survived by daughter Sheyenne "Hoku," and another grandchild, Mara "Sunny" Kauakahi.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at Borthwick Mortuary, service at 7 p.m. Visitation also from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at the mortuary; service at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow. Casual attire.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8067.