Carol Aulani Apoliona (79) passed away peacefully in her sleep with her family at her side on December 2, 2022, after a short battle with cancer.Aulani was the second child of Eugene and Anne Meta (Grote) Apoliona. She grew up in Kane'ohe and was full of laughter as she lived her life with a big smile and gorgeous long hair. She attended Sacred Hearts Academy and graduated from Punahou School in 1961. She remained close to both sets of classmates, attending regular luncheons and reunions. Aulani earned a B.A. in Accounting from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.
In her career, Aulani worked at Blair's Woodwork, as a State of Hawai'i greeter at the Honolulu International Airport, in sales at Paradise Park, with Tom Moffatt Productions, and as an accountant for several companies. But her greatest love was as a legislative analyst and later community organizer in the Native Hawaiian community for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Aulani traveled all over the continent, from California to Washington, D.C., New York, and everywhere in between to organize Native Hawaiians living in every state for passage of the Akaka Bill. She made continental Hawaiians feel that they were very much part of the 'ohana as Hawaiians sought justice and federal recognition.
Aulani loved music and singing. She played the guitar, bass, 'ukulele and classical piano. She was the life of the party, often laughing and singing, and she loved to host her own parties with beautiful china, silverware and crystal. She was also a great cook and said lemons make everything taste better. To have known Aulani is to have been lucky because she was one in a million.
Aulani was predeceased by her parents, brother Eugene, and beautiful grand-niece Kaleo. She is survived by her sister Haunani, nieces Nicole and Laura, grand-nephew Kalei, several aunties, and many cousins and lifelong friends. And especially her beloved Shiba Inu, Nani.
Please join us in celebration of Aulani's life on Wednesday, December 28, at Borthwick Mortuary, Maunakea/Vineyard Chapel, 1330 Maunakea St., Honolulu. Visitation at 9:30 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m. followed by a pa'ina with food and Hawaiian music. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kane'ohe.
Me Ke Aloha A Mau Loa
