January 3, 1940 – February 13, 2019
Daughter of Hawaii
Malawaina was a daughter of Hawaii. Raised in Kaimuki by parents Robert and Sybil Andrews. Malawaina was the oldest of their family of five children, siblings Sybil Kealoha, Wanda Hooulu, Robert Jr. and Weedonette Pomaikai. It was a happy family that filled their little two bedroom home with love, laughter and music.
Malawaina and her extended Ohana (family) of aunts, uncles, and many cousins spent hours together at Ke Alaula Oka Malamalama Church on Cooke Street. The parsonage was her grandparent’s home, so many a celebration was held there. She could be counted on to sing hymns and songs in harmony with her family. In any given service, her beautiful soprano voice could be heard in the choir or congregation.
Another precious memory of Hawaii was the time spent in Waimanalo at the home of her very special Aunty Hannah and Uncle David Harris. They lived across the road from Waimanalo Beach and summers meant swimming in the ocean and playing in the sun with friends and family.
After graduating from Kaimuki High School she moved to Northern California to attend college. She was accompanied by Aunty Hannah, Uncle David and her sister Wanda. After her two year course of study she returned to Hawaii and quickly settled into a career as an Administrative Assistant at a local hotel. She met and married Terry Kramer. Soon they were joined by her first daughter, Monique Naomi Kramer. Although she was successful and dearly loved at the hotel, the call to entertain continued to tug at her heart.
Dancing jobs began occasionally and led to becoming a principal dancer in Tavana’s Tahitian Revue. Dancing allowed her to travel to Japan and many other destinations sharing her gifts. She learned to balance being ‘mom’ and entertainer with the help of her mother Sybil, also an entertainer. Later in life she was blessed with a bonus mom in Phoebe Ku. Many a trip home was punctuated by laughter, good Hawaiian food and “talking story” around mom’s table.
On one of her many trips she met Doug Martin, a principal in the Ice Capades. With a shared love of entertainment they soon found much in common and would marry. Doug’s parents Grandma Anne and Grandpa George joined them in time to welcome James Keoki Martin.
Their home was always open to anyone who needed a meal, a place to stay or just some loving conversation. Doug and Malawaina soon moved to Eugene, Oregon where their youngest daughter Tinamarie Mahealani Martin joined the family. Soon work took them to Sacramento. This is where Malawaina accepted the good news of Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. From this acceptance forward she would use her gifts of voice and dance in praise of her King.
They were drawn to Century Assembly of God in Stockton, CA. It wasn’t just their home, but their base from which God used Malawaina in many ways. She sang in the choir and especially loved the singing Christmas tree presentation each year. She choreographed and taught a dance praise team for services and special outreaches.
There she began her own halau (hula school) Otea Maranatha Polynesian Halau. It was there that Monique and Tina learned to dance and perform. The group competed in Tahiti Fete in San Francisco and made a trip to Hawaii to perform at the Kuilima Hotel.
The Halau’s mission was also a way for Malawaina to share her faith and lead others to JESUS. The Halau curriculum wove scripture into their lessons and surrounded everyone with prayer. In fact, Malawaina was known for praying without ceasing, a true prayer warrior. Every visit, phone call or gathering included a time for prayer. One of her granddaughter’s memories are of the sweet prayers offered during a phone call.
Malawaina always considered herself to be blessed to be a stay at home mom. Besides her love of the Lord, her children and grandchildren were her blessings. She lived each day to its fullest and always looked forward to her next adventure.
Malawaina is survived by her children, Monique Naomi Tiare, Tinamarie Mahealani, and James Keoki; grandchildren Kaitlyn Leilani, Alsyssa Keona, David Kealii and Nicole Kehaulani; and great-granddaughter Isabella Kaiulani; Mother Phoebe Ku Andrews, sister Weedy and Ku siblings Nancy, Kamuela, Jack, Paul, and Patrick.
We will surely miss her but are assured she is with her Savior, singing, dancing, and praising HIM all the day long.
SERVICE
All are invited to attend visitation from 1:30-3:30pm with funeral services at 3:30pm on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi, California, with inurnment in Hawaii.
Malawaina
A Hui Hou
Until we meet again
