| In
Memorium of Moses "Moki" Kalanikau
June 5, 1936 - June 20, 1986
"Moki" as we all fondly called him, was born in Kula, the oldest of
4 children to Rachel and Louis Waiwaiole Kalanikau. He married the
former Paula Travis, had one son, two daughters and later adopted
another son. Moki can best be described as being enthusiastically
involved in everything he did. His gift of the true meaning of ALOHA
was spread among his family, his church, his job and the community.
He was a member of the church choir and spent many years
volunteering his time in serving others at church as well as in the
community and work. "How he ever managed his time I will never know
says his wife", but he did.
Moki served in the Kihei School PTSA as Vice-Pres., and officiated
at the MIL Basketball games. He officiated this sport for 17 years
as well as coached his own Menehune team--Kihei Suns. An avid
sportsman, Moki bowled on several Hawaiian Bowling Leagues and
during his "free time " enjoyed taking his family on camping and
fishing trips.
As one of the founders of Kihei Canoe Club, Moki served as President
for several years and when they didn't or were short of coaches he
would volunteer to help the youths and spend hours with them. He was
a mentor, a friend, a listener, an Uncle, a counselor, a patient
guy!
In 1973 the establishment of the club was organized , there was Moki,
George Ferreira, Ben Abiera, Moki's step-dad (Moki's dad died when
Moki was just 4 years old so his mom remarried later and had 3 more
children. Since then Moki's step dad past on also as well as George
Ferreira.
They did not have a canoe at that time but they purchased
one from Oahu with the help of Darvon and Betty Leis whose sons were
interested in paddling and took to paddling. The name of the Canoe
was "Helu Ekahi". By that time there were about 300 members
interested in paddling and only one canoe. So Moki's dad Ben Abiera
purchased the second Canoe. After the death of Ben a Memorial Day
weekend of paddling in his memory was held for many years until a
few years ago somehow somewhere a decision was made to discontinue
this fun event.
 Anyway
the events were being set up with racing canoe association and we
got another canoe by the grace of the club having fund raisers. That
was fun! Everyone was willing to make things happen and it did. The
club got the help of the county to use the site that is there today!
Before any event could take place he had the members go down to the
site and clean it, cut back all the keawe's that were there so
thick. The canoes in the meantime were being stored at Moki's home
in his empty lot next to his home and the guys would come and take
down for practice when the time was right.
 The
club had a blessing on the site by the then Reverend Kukahiko and
after blessing of the site and food there was the first Luau with
Kalua Pig and all it's trimmings and wonderful entertainment. A few
years later Dutchie Kino came along and join the club and helped the
club excel to higher level Moki and Dutchie worked closely together.
Dutchie became the coach and a legend as well. He is missed and an
event is held in his memory as well the "Dutchie Kino" long distance
races which he was known for.
Anyway, the club held in 1987 what is now called the Moki Kalanikau
Regatta in his honor
 and
has held it till this day in tribute to this dedicated man.
Who can forget this talented man when he warmed our hearts singing,
"Maui Waltz" or " Surround Me With Love"
at many of our functions even when he was terminally ill with
cancer, sang to his mom on her 70th birthday in March of 1986 and
died in June 20th 1986.
Most of all Moki projected warmth and cheerfulness, all our
recollection of him will be fondly remembered
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