Vernon Lee Kahuinalukumuwainaokalani Niau

September 29, 1986 - January 9, 2021

Vernon Lee Kahuinalukumuwainaokalani Niau Vernon/“Kahui” was born on September 29, 1986 in Waimea, Kauai. He lived most of his childhood in Kauai and resided in the mainland for a few years before moving to Honolulu to live out his adult life. He loved to play ukulele, sing, draw and do tattoos, but above all else he loved to surf. His passion and love for the ocean was so much apart of his identity you would often hear him say “I need to get in the water.” He was known to have a heart of gold, an infectious and unforgettable laugh and a big bright smile. If you needed a friend you could always rely on him to catch your back in any way, refusing to turn away anyone despite their troubles, resulting in huge impacts to many different walks of life. On January 9, 2021, Kahui departed his physical presence to be with the angels and surf those perfect waves he always searched for in life. He will forever be in our hearts and dearly missed. He is preceded in death by his mother Lillian “Melia” Niau and father Lyle Lee Sperry; survived by his three beautiful children, Melia Yoshioka Niau (daughter), Elijah Yoshioka (son) and Sanoe Yoshioka Niau (daughter), his partner Keisha Guerrero, his siblings Christopher “Kawai” Niau (brother), Tiana “Ipo” Constantino (sister), Stevie Tsuchiya (brother), many nieces, nephews and cousins. A private viewing and a public ceremony were held.