Wendell Patrick Kalanikapuaenui Silva's Obituary
Wendell Patrick Kalanikapuaenui Silva Obituary
Kahu Wendell Patrick Kalanikapuaenui Silva
Ka Malamalama Kuakea 'Ole o Ke Aloha
The Never Fading Light of Aloha
Kahu Wendell Patrick Kalanikapuaenui Silva was the light of aloha, a beacon of spirituality and Hawaiian culture
- a man whose life was a tribute to the power of service. His life journey was one of determination and passion
until his peaceful passing on October 4, 2024.
As prophesied when he was born, Kalanikapuaenui was a highly respected Kahu pule and recognized
internationally for his expertise. Kahuna Nui (senior priest) of Ke Aloha O Kalani Ministry which he founded in
2003, he taught the values of living a pono life of goodness. He beautifully blended his Hawaiian and Christian
traditions into his daily practice
In 1971 while serving as program director for Lanakila Crafts, he successfully instituted Hawaii’s first Meals on
Wheels Senior Dining Program. His is a legacy from feeding 20 elderly in Aala Park to 576,000 meals delivered
to Oahu seniors annually.
As director of Kalihi-Palama Culture & Arts for 17 years, his next career achievements includ co-founding with
cousin Nalani Olds, the Prince Lot Hula Festival. In 1975 the Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Festival was born. In
2020, Kahu was honored by the State Legislature for helping to enrich the lives of over 20,000 keiki hula dancers.
The 50th anniversary of this event will be celebrated in 2025.
Wendell performed the opening blessing ceremonies for the State legislature and delivered his inspirational
messages of aloha. In 1990, he was appointed the first Native Hawaiian executive director to the Hawaii State
Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Gov. Cayetano appointed him to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs,
He served as Chairman of the United Nations International Year of the Older Adult Celebration, performed the
groundbreaking blessing for the VA Center for Aging at Tripler Hospital, offered a Hawaiian blessing chant at the
50th Anniversary Rededication Celebration at Punchbowl and at the Kaneohe Veteran’s Cemetery Dedication.
Wendell represented 3 governor’s for several state and global events hosting kings, queens and US presidents.
He helped plan and participated in several Hawaiian ceremonies including Onipaa - the Centennial Observance of
the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy.
A multi-talented singer and writer, his composition, Hoolako Hawaii was the winning theme song for the1987
Year of the Hawaiian. He had the honor of sining this at the re-dedication of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Able to play many musical instruments, he’s composed several Hawaiian songs and chants, recorded albums and
from the age of 15, stepped stage hundreds of times with many of Hawaii’s musical greats. His voice gave life to
to the animated film, Paa Ke Aupuni-The Reel History of Hawaii. Kahu’s literary work includes several books on
Hawaiian culture, spirituality and mysticism.
For his lifelong devotion to helping the people of Hawaii, the Honolulu City Council honored Wendell as a
“valuable asset to our Hawaii and indeed, a living multi-faceted cultural treasure, being a scholar of our culture,
language and history…”
As we remember Kahu Kalanikapuaenui, let us honor his memory by living with the same joy and dedication to
making the world a better place, one act of aloha at a time.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Mililani Mortuary Downtown Chapel. Visitation begins 9:00 am and service at 10:00 am. Burial to follow, 1:00 pm at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park Cemetery.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.
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