Sharon Kiyama Kaohi's Obituary
Sharon Shigeko Kiyama Kaohi, beloved daughter, sister, wife and mother, passed away on August 5, 2023. She was 87 years old. Sharon was born and raised in Kahala and Aina Haina, Oahu. She attended Waikiki and Jefferson Elementary Schools, Stevenson Intermediate School and Roosevelt High School. Upon graduation in 1954, she attended the University of Hawaii Manoa and Columbia University in New York City. After living and teaching on Long Island for 2 years, she returned home to Hawaii. On the flight home, she met Howard Kaohi, a United Airlines flight attendant. In 1960, she applied for a job as a flight attendant with Pan American Airways. At the time, the airline was promoting an Around the World Travel Program. Sharon was one of several flight attendants selected to escort travelers in the Around the World Program. These “tours” lasted up to 12 days. In 1963, she and Howard got married and started a family. Upon returning to teaching, she worked in various positions, including Kaimuki High School social studies teacher and the State Office of Instructional Services, retiring after 31 combined years as an educator. She was a life long learner who believed in the value of travel. Retiring to Koloa, Kauai, for roughly 10 years, she enjoyed the simple life living at the family beach house. In 2013, both she and Dad returned to live on Oahu. After Dad passed, she lived at the Pohai Nani Good Samaritan Society Senior Retirement Community.
She is survived by her children, son Kevin Kaohi, granddaughters Lei’alaokamokihana and Aunhea and daughter Julie Kaohi, granddaughter Ma’ema’eolehua, and grandsons Pohaikealoha and Kamaha’o.
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