James Levi "Kimo" Makaio's Obituary
James Levi “Kimo” Makaio passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2023 at the Kuakini Medical Center. Kimo was born in Hilo, Hawai’i to Abraham Kapuahelani Makaio and Phoebe Keoahu Stevens Makaio. He loved his life on the Big Island living in Hilo and later moved to Kailua, Kona. He graduated from Hilo High School and loved playing basketball in high school and church. In his youth he learned the art of luau catering from his parents who were active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He joined the U.S. Army a year after graduating high school from 1965-1969 and was a Russian Radio-Voice Interceptor, worked as an Emergency Dispatcher at the Hawaii County Police Department, and later an Adult Corrections Officer at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
Kimo loved his Hawaiian lineage, customs, beliefs, arts, family history, and culture. As a tour bus driver, he relished the opportunity to share his knowledge and love of Hawai’i nei and the beauty of the island. In the twilight years of dad Abraham’s life Kimo and sister Kapua lovingly cared for him until his passing.
Kimo was preceded in death by mother Phoebe (1983), sister Elaine Poipe Makaio (1992), dad Abraham (1994), sister Jeanette Naomi “Kapuahelani” Hoag (2018), and daughter Uilani Kaniho (year unkown). He is survived by sister Vanda Leilani Tuia (Malcolm) Utah, daughter Elaine Poipe Keali’iwahamana SanJose (Elton) Island of Hawai’i, son James Levi Makaio II Oahu; 3 nephews, 6 nieces, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
The family extends its appreciation for the dedicated care provided by physicians, nurses, and staff at the Queen’s Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Honolulu Medical Center, and the Avalon Care Center. Mahalo to Gladis S. Rivera-Simpson, Office of The Public Guardian and Diamond Head Mortuary for their “kokua” with final preparations.
Mahalo nui loa kakou!
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