As friends and family, we would love to help raise funds for Kumu Keli’i Tau’a’s funeral and medical costs as well as travel expenses for Chelsea, his wife, and their three sons to bring Keli’i home to Maui. Keli’i passed away peacefully in Spokane, Washington. His wish was to be taken back to Hawaii after he passed away. We would all love to make that happen for him.

Keli’i lit up a room with his smile and sense of humor. He never sought the spotlight, yet he was revered by those he loved, taught, and served. He had a fierce love for Hawai’i, Hawaiian culture, the Hawaiian language, Hawaiian hula and Hawaiian chant and music. He was a talented musician and recorded more than a dozen Hawaiian albums of chants and music. He loved to teach others and share his culture. He also loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and was a consummate missionary. He loved his wife and five children dearly. To know him was to love him. We will all miss him dearly.