Malia Catalina Malakaua Nakapaahu
Aug. 15, 1933 – Jan. 2, 2026
Honolulu, Oʻahu: Malia Catalina Malakaua Nakapaahu, affectionately known as “Granny,” passed away peacefully at home at the age of 92. Born in Makaweli, Kauaʻi, she was raised in Māʻili, Oʻahu, and attended Waipahu School. She was a member of the Hewahewa ʻOhana through her great-grandmother Elizabeth Pihikula Napahi Malakaua. Granny’s life was a testament of love for her family, culture, and community and she will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. She began her career at the Honolulu Airport Maintenance Division before relocating to Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island, then transferring to the Keʻāhole Airport Maintenance Division, where she was promoted to supervisor before retiring in 1999. After retiring, Granny returned to Oʻahu, finding joy in raising her great-grandchildren and indulging in her love for music and hula. She cherished ʻohana performances at the Royal Hawaiian Center and was a devoted supporter of Hālau Hula o Maiki for over 45 years. Granny was married twice; first to Gordon Joseph Mann of Fresno, CA, in February 1951, then to Lionel Ewaliko Nakapaahu of Makaweli, Kauaʻi, in 1958. Both of her husbands predeceased her, as did her parents Ariston Sanidad and Ana Marie Malakaua Alvior; stepfather Daniel Alvior; and sister Martha Kalua Servantes. She is survived by daughter Olivia Lee Puakeala Mann; son Gordon Christopher Mann; sister Marcia Alvior Kanoa; grandchildren Leandra Tazhi Puʻuhonua Tavares- Jumawan (Jaden), Abra Rashid Kaulana Tavares-Crisostomo (Eduardo), Kona Mann (Karen), and Daniel Mann; and great-grandchildren Kalauokalaninui, Kawaikikilani and Haʻahula Crisostomo, and Kaila Mann. Celebration of Life will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kāneʻohe.
