Doreen Higashino

Doreen ‘Nani’ Ka’opuananiokekai Higashino, 95, of Napili, Maui, Hawaii passed away peacefully at her family home on January 16, 2024. Nani was born September 5, 1928 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was the daughter of John Pakiai Kupihea and Ah-Lin Katherine Kai, Granddaughter of Hawaiian Healer Kiaiai. Nani graduated from the University of Hawaii with a degree in Tropical Agriculture. She married Robert Hiroshi Higashino and had two sons, Paul Keonaona Higashino and Peter Palikauoha Higashino. The family lived a beautiful life in Hawaii Kai. Nani established a career in the hospitality industry at the Hawaiian Village and the Ilikai Hotel on Oahu followed by teaching at Kapiolani Community College. She was an avid traveler and was once the President of Travel Women Hawaii. The family, along with many friends, will treasure her wit, generosity and spunk. Her passions were cooking, traveling, teaching, lei making, crafting, music, shopping Chinatown and hosting celebrations for her 'Ohana and friends. Nani moved to Napili, Maui where she later resided. She is survived by Paul and Jennifer Higashino, Peter and Carolee Higashino, Grandchildren Kendall Oreta (Anthony Oreta), Elizabeth Whiteman (Stephen Whiteman), Lily Higashino, Kainoa Higashino, Kawelu Higashino and Kaleinani Higashino. Her great-grandchildren Vincent Whiteman, Leon Miller-Oreta, Maddox Oreta, Blake Oreta, Stevie Whiteman along with numerous nieces and nephews. She now joins our beloved Bobby Higashino and Lihau Higashino in the heavens above. A private family service to celebrate Nani’s life was held at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The ‘Ohana requests no donations. As she would say, “Appreciate your loved ones and friends now. And bring them lei”. Special mahalo to Hospice Maui.