Bolstered by the historical knowledge already imparted to him by his elders, Keau excelled at his work. His first project with Emory was helping to restore the Haleki'i-Pi'ihana heiau in Wailuku. Keau would go on to publish his work and act as a consultant to numerous agencies and community groups, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana and the Maui Historical Society.

Kekai Robinson said her grandfather dedicated his life to perpetuating the Hawaiian culture.

"He was a humble man, but he knew when to take a stand for what he knew was right," she said. "He always thought about the grandkids and for our grandkids. He wanted to make sure we knew about what our ancestors had done."

Daughter Bernie Graham said her father was a strict but loving man who made sure his children, two boys and four girls, received an education. "He did what was right for us," she said.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. May 21 at St. Anthony Church in Wailuku, with a Mass at 11 a.m. A lunch will follow in the social hall. The family requests no flowers; memorial donations will be used for the restoration of St. Joseph Church in Kaupo, one of Keau's favorite causes.

His ashes will be spread over Nu'u Mauka Ranch, a 2,700-acre property recently acquired by Graham and her husband, Andy Graham. She said Keau was quite familiar with the archaeological history of the property.

He also is survived by sons, Calvin and Joseph "Maka"; daughters, Marilyn Olsen and Eugenia Ewing; stepdaughter, Joyce Cabasug; son-in-law, Jose Balmores; brothers, Arnold and Peter "Butch"; sister, Leinani Tavares; 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.