Kaakimaka, Kevin's Obituary
Kevin Valentine Kuikanoa "Noa" KA’AKIMAKA, age 76, was born on December 7, 1947, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and left us on August 27, 2024, in Hilo, Hawaii. Noa's remarkable journey began in Aiea, Hawaii, where he graduated from Aiea High School before serving his country with honor at multiple bases, including Kincheloe AFB Michigan, Pleiku AFB Vietnam, Altus AFB Oklahoma, and Hickam AFB Hawaii. His dedication and bravery earned him numerous commendations, reflecting a life committed to service. Following his military career, Noa embraced his calling as a firefighter and engineer with the Federal Fire Department on O’ahu, where he continued to make an impact in his community. His adventurous spirit led him to reside in various beautiful locations across Hawaii, such as Halawa Heights, Mililani and Waimanalo on ‘Oahu, Kaluakoi on Moloka’i, and Waimea and Kalopa on the Big Island. Each place held cherished memories and friendships that enriched his life. A gifted artist and passionate musician, Noa had a deep love for playing the ukulele, guitar, and a myriad of other instruments, sharing his musical talents with all those around him. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed playing softball and volleyball, and dedicated his time to coaching his daughter’s teams with Ko’olau Bobby Sox. His leisure hours were filled with fishing, diving, pen and ink drawing, painting, carving, and landscaping with native plants and fruit trees, all of which reflected his deep connection to the ‘aina he loved. Noa cherished his childhood summers on Moloka’i with his cousins, uncles, aunties, siblings, and grandparents, in addition to building memories with his children taking them camping, boating, off-roading, swimming and traveling which formed an immense part of his legacy. His kindness, loyalty, and cheerful demeanor left an unforgettable mark on everyone he encountered. He held tremendous love for his firefighter braddahs and was known for lifting the spirits of those around him. Noa will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him. Noa is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Kathleen “Kipi” Barker KA’AKIMAKA, and his cherished children: Kalvin Keola KA’AKIMAKA, Kaeleen Kalaniku (Manuel "Junior") MARTINEZ, Kananimaeole KA'AKIMAKA, Kevin V. K. "Kui" KA’AKIMAKA II, and Kevinette Ka'ila (Steven) PARIS. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Kapeka & Haunani BOOK, Kamika, Kamauliola & Kanoe KA’AKIMAKA, Heather & Dustin MARTINEZ, Sariah “Ke’ani” KA’AKIMAKA & Pilipo KUPAHU, Koa KA’AKIMAKA, Ke’aho (Kea) KAAWA & Mahie KA’AKIMAKA KA’AWA, Keolamau LAWELAWE-KA’AKIMAKA, Haweo KA’AKIMAKA-BROWN, Caitlin PARIS-KEKAUOHA, Kylee "Kaui", Kaylee “Kealani”, Steven “Pauole”, and Shemnon “Ka’imi” KA’AKIMAKA-PARIS, along with his great-grandchildren: Taeya & Alayna MARTINEZ, Leonidas & Paisley NIUMAANA, Psiar PAASCH, Na’ea MIYAKI, Ke’ahe KAAWA HOSE, and Ka’oli KAAWA. He is also survived by his sisters Melveen LEED (Mike), Nalani O’BRIEN, Monette KA’AKIMAKA, Phyllis KUAMO’O; Sisters-in-law: Barbara Barker JOHNSON & Denise “Denny” Barker EMMES; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and hanai great-granddaughters. Noa was preceded in death by his dearly beloved daughter, Ke’alalehua K. KA’AKIMAKA KUPAHU, his mother, Hazel M. PLACE KA’AKIMAKA, and father, Isaiah V. KA’AKIMAKA.
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