Love You Aunty Bernalyl (Michiko) & Ka'i Watai

Family and friends are mourning over the sudden loss of Aunty Michiko Akahoshi , 66, of Hawaiian/Japanese ancestry of Hōnaunau, Hawai’i and her daughter Ka’iulani Watai (Ka’i), 43, of Hawaiian/Japanese ancestry of Hōnaunau, Hawai’i.

Aunty Michiko is known to be the matriarch of her family. A loyal family and friend, she was kind hearted, outgoing, observant, a hard working woman and extremely beautiful. Aunty Michiko spent her career in housekeeping services from Kona Surf to a family owned business. Aunty Michiko is a loving mother of three children, Ka’iulani (her eldest daughter), Kaimana (her son) and Kai'ama (her youngest son) and two grandchildren, Kalanakila, 16, and Kapua, 2 years old. Her ‘ohana was her world and her ultimate love language was spending valuable time with them. On September 8th, 2021, due to Covid complications, Aunty Michiko passed away suddenly in her sleep. “Blue Michiko, you’re the one and ONLY one.” We will miss your loving and spirited self our dear “Maddaz.”

Ka’iulani Watai is also a matriarch of her family. Ka’iulani worked for Wyndham Resorts for many years and she was a true and true company wahine (lady). She cared for her mother and entire family. Ka’iulani was exquisite in so many ways with a giving and loving soul. Ka’iulani was known to bring people from all over the world together. Her personality outshine everything else. Ka’iulani was the life of the party, witty, industrious, creative and detailed oriented. Ka’iulani had many nicknames from Ka’i, Ka’i Ka’i Kū, Pua Sistahs, Queen of Pinky Productions and ultimate QUEEN of Themed Parties and Celebrations and she was known AKA “Queen Khaleesi.” “Ka’i” had a hidden gift and talent. She could sing Karaoke and would light up a room. Friends who become family, she was the type of person where you could just pick up where you left off despite the time and distance spent apart. In addition, Ka’i was a beautiful hula practitioner. Unfortunately, Ka’iulani’s health rapidly deteriorated unexpectedly due to Covid complications. Ka’iulani and her mother passed away nine days apart. Aunty Michiko gained her wings on Sept 8, 2021 and Ka’iulani gained her wings on Sept 17, 2021. They were doing their best to social distance and follow CDC guidelines, hence this virus got the best of them.

As the family and friends are mourning for the loss of two beautiful Mana wahine (powerful women), the ‘ohana could use your kōkua (assistance). Any donations are greatly appreciated to help bring them home in addition to covering any medical and funeral expenses.

The two grandchildren were their light of their lives and their legacies. The ‘ohana has endeared so much loss. Uncle Jerry Watai (Aunty’s soulmate and Ka’i’s father) also passed away a few years ago. Now, they are all reunited. We love you “Faddaz.”

We mahalo all of you for your condolences and aloha. We will keep you posted as we are trying to follow proper CDC guidelines and Covid protocols for gathering purposes.

They were known to have open arms and open hearts, doing good to everyone they know.

They were the true ambassadors of authenticity, love and aloha. They lived and prospered a humble life on a simple coffee property on the Big Island of Hawai’i with a good ‘ohana.

We know that families are together forever. It’s a tough time and please help celebrate the lives and legacies of our matriarchs, our mothers, sisters, granddaughters, family and friends. We will miss and love you both for eternity.

Pōmaika’i nā mea a pau. A na ke akua e mālama mau (There’s beauty and blessings all around. Allow god to guide us the way)

We love you Aunty Bernalyl (Michiko) and Ka’iulani Watai.

Rest in Love