Beverly Healani Sun Lan Apana Muraoka
(Aug. 21, 1949 – July 12, 2026)
Beverly Healani Sun Lan Apana Muraoka, 76, of Wailua Homesteads, Kauaʻi, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, in Honolulu, surrounded by her family. Affectionately known as “Aunty Bev,” she was a beloved mother, kumu hula, musician, and cultural practitioner whose life embodied aloha, faith, and service.
Born into the esteemed Apana ʻOhana of Kauaʻi, Beverly carried forward a rich legacy rooted in Hawaiian music and hula. As a member of the celebrated Apana Sisters, she shared the beauty of Hawaiʻi’s culture worldwide. Together with her husband, Ernest, she founded Healani’s Hula Hālau & Music Academy, teaching generations of haumāna the values of kuleana, respect, and aloha.
A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Beverly dedicated herself to serving others through faith, education, and community leadership. Recognized as a Kauaʻi Museum Living Treasure, she was respected for her wisdom, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the lāhui.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest K. Muraoka; her parents, Ernest Quon Po Apana and Christina Akio Aki Apao Apana; and her siblings Carolyn Lou Leimomi Hung Moi Apana, Dorna Elva Leimamo Hung Chun Apana Ginden Mahelona, Shirlette Pualani Yau Lee Apana Miike, Lynette Kuulei Yau Kut Apana Niau, and Lovey Leinaʻala Yau Choy Apana.
She is survived by her children, Kerrianne A.L.S.L. (Ty H. Gesteuyala) Muraoka, Ben H. (Renee) Cockett, and Dennis K. Soong; and her brother, Russell Ernest (Lori) Apana. Services were held on Aug. 28, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kapaʻa.
