Obituary of Ainalani Angela Makaiwi-Pelekai

Ainalani Angela “Ang” Makaiwi-Pelekai passed away April 21, 2022, in Yelm, Washington, her home the last two and a half years.  She was born August 25, 1964, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Ang was a loving daughter, sister, friend, aunt, and cousin. She earned two master’s degrees, had a passion for helping troubled youth, and pioneered the first Troubled Adolescent Program. She was the first female football referee in Hawaii, an Olympic swimmer, free diver, lifeguard, nurse, counselor, and a sheriff. Ang also loved surfing, boogie boarding, traveling, and movies.

She was born Hawaiian and raised proud. She lived in Oregon, Molokai, Alaska, Virginia, and Washington, but Hawaii was always home. She was very proud of her nephews and nieces, and loved them all very much.

Ang was preceded in death by her mother, Judith Gwyther, and is survived by her father, Edward (wife, Kona) Pelekai.  She also is survived by her brothers, Tony (wife, Michelle) and their son, Nikolas Pelekai; Douglas (wife, Robin), their son, Rae’Ven, daughter, ‘Iolana, and granddaughter, Apikalia Pelekai; and Kuamu (wife, Jessica), their sons, Jonah and Kuamu Jr., and daughter, Kaiwa Pelekai.  Surviving sisters include Lorraine Pelekai; Tishalynn (husband, Jarome), their sons, Nuuanu and La’akea, and their daughters, Kale’u and Hopey Reed; Kehaulani and her daughter, Hoolehua Pelekai.

Services will be held Friday, May 6, 2022, 4:00 p.m. at Funeral Alternatives of Washington, 2830 Willamette Dr. NE, Lacey, WA 98516.

Services in Molokai, Hawaii, will be held on July 22, 2022.  Details to follow.

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