John "Sonny" Matthew Alakana Kealiʻiheʻenaluokani Balaz's Obituary
John “Sonny” Matthew Alakana Kealiʻiheʻenaluokalani Balaz of Wahiawā passed surrounded by his beloved wife Theresa Moana, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Born May 28, 1941, in Wahiawā to Eunice Kealohakuʻualohakuʻupokiʻi Hale Rowe Balaz and John Balaz, Sonny graduated from Leilehua High School, where he was the May Day King and a Captain in the Leilehua High School JROTC. He proudly served in the United States Army in Germany.
Throughout his life he worked as a manager, salesman, pipefitter at Pearl Harbor, cultural consultant, and in Hawaiʻi’s travel and entertainment industry. He managed the construction of the Paradise Cove Lūʻau and served as General Manager there for several years. He later revitalized Waimea Falls Park to reflect and return authentic Hawaiian culture and protocol, especially with the Hewahewa descendants. He held a karate black belt & held a high belt, as a fighting member of Pa Kui A Lua.
Sonny was known for his warm smile, infectious laugh, jokes, off-key singing, dancing, and deep ʻike about life, love, Native Hawaiian culture, and many cultures beyond. He loved the ʻāina, cultivating various varieties of kalo, ʻawa, kō, and many other native plants. A favorite place of his was the moana, where he taught his children how to spearfish. He lived with integrity, strong values, and unwavering devotion to his ʻohana.
Above all, Sonny loved his wife, Moana. She was his world, his partner, and his greatest joy. They were affectionately known as “the kissing couple.”
He is survived by Moana and his three children:
Kilei Balaz-Oblero (Bernard Oblero) ; Keahialaka Balaz; and Kealohakuʻualohakuʻupokiʻi (Pokiʻi) Balaz and her partner Jon Katsuda; along with several moʻopuna and great-moʻopuna.
Ko mākou aloha iā ʻoe he mea poina ʻole.
Celebration of Life
Sunday: May 31, 2026
10am
Mililani Mortuary, Mauka Chapel
All who knew and loved John are welcomed to join us
What’s your fondest memory of John "Sonny"?
What’s a lesson you learned from John "Sonny"?
Share a story where John "Sonny"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John "Sonny" you’ll never forget.
How did John "Sonny" make you smile?