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In loving memory of KIMO GARNER, born Amos Kolailai Keawekane II.
Amos Kolailai Keawekane II, known throughout much of his life as Kimo Garner, passed away on September 12, 2026 at 86 years old. Born on April 10, 1940 in Honolulu and raised in Haleiwa and Kalihi, Kimo was the son of Amos Kolailai Keawekane I and Alice Keolahou Kuni. He was a musician and graduate of Waialua High School 1958. He was raised in a Hawaiian family where music, hula, culture, faith, and aloha were deeply woven into everyday life.
Much of that cultural foundation was fostered by his mother, Alice, a respected hula teacher, musician, and entertainer. Her children carried that legacy in their own ways. Kimo's sister Alicia Smith became a renowned kumu hula and founder of Halau O Na Maoli Pua; his sister Loyal Garner, affectionately known throughout Hawaii as the "Lady of Love," became one of Hawaii's beloved singers and entertainers; and his brother George Manu devoted much of his life to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and voyaging. Kimo carried that same cultural foundation through his music and through the aloha he shared with others.
Music was one of the defining parts of Kimo's life.
He devoted himself to the piano and singing, eventually becoming an accomplished multi-instrumentalist despite having no formal musical training. His professional career began around 1958 and would span more than five decades, taking him throughout the Hawaiian Islands and California.
Kimo performed with many respected musicians and entertainers over the years, including his sister Loyal Garner, his cousin Sonny Kuni, Don Ho, Iva Kinimaka, Don Tosti, and many others. During the 1960s, he became part of Waikiki's vibrant entertainment scene, and by 1969, he and Loyal were performing as "Loyal & Kimo Garner" at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and its Pot O' Gold Lounge. His music eventually took him throughout Hawaii. On Maui, Kimo performed at the Royal Lahaina, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and other prominent resorts. On Hawaii Island, he entertained in Kona and Hilo. On Kauai, he performed at the Stouffer Waiohai in Poipu and the Princeville Resort. Beginning in 2001, he performed five nights a week in the Great Room at the Lodge at Koele up on the island of Lanai until his retirement in 2011.
He was loved by his family, his friends, fellow musicians, and the many people whose lives crossed his path throughout the years. He touched people through his music, but perhaps even more importantly, through the way he treated them. In 2001, Kimo offered a particularly meaningful expression of his love through music when he performed "Unforgettable" at the memorial service for his sister Loyal at Kawaiahao Church. Today, that word seems especially fitting. Unforgettable.
Kimo leaves behind his music, his unmistakable personality, his smile, the memories he created, and above all, the aloha he gave so freely to others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Step-father Monte Garner, brother George Manu, sister Loyal Garner and son Kevin Stevens.
Kimo is survived by his wife Patsy, sister Alicia Keawekane Smith, children Kanani Keawekane, Ainsley Keawekane, Ebbe Keawekane-Hale (Mike), Amos Lonokailua-Hewett (Mitzie), Sean Garner (Callee), Kaulana Garner (Colleen), brother-in-law Terry Farmer, 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members.
A celebration of Kimo's life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Liliuokalani Protestant Church in Haleiwa. Visitation at 8:30a. Service at 9:30a.
Contact Kanani @ (808)283-0916, leave voicemail or text.
Near the end of his full-time performing career, Kimo reflected on the prayer he had made as a 14-year-old boy and wrote that he had always remembered God and continued to praise and thank Him for the gift he had been given.
His time at the piano has ended, but the music he shared lives on. His presence will be missed, but the aloha he gave remains in our hearts.
Rest in ALOHA, Dad.
Amos Kolailai Keawekane II -- Kimo Garner.
Loved. Remembered. Unforgettable.