Heifara Daniel Aiamu

Lu’ulu’u Hanalei i ka ua nui; kaumaha i ka noe o Alaka’i. It is with grief stricken hearts that we announce the passing of Kaua?i’s beloved pearl, Heifara Aiamu, who departed from this earthly realm on the eve of the full moon eclipse, September 17th, 2024. 

Born in Papa‘ete on February 17, 1963, Heifara’s destiny carried him across the sea from his homeland in Tahiti, to a new home here in Hawai?i nei. And like the niu—the coconut—with which his fate was so beautifully intertwined, Heifara too, finally took root on the shores of Kaua‘i.

Heifara was born into this world in the age of the Tahitian renaissance to m?kua that were proud of their heritage and identity. Yet, much like today, the ongoing violence of colonialism was an ever present pressure through which they found ways to persevere. Heifara’s father, Daniel Aiamu, was one of the practitioners to bring back the practice of t?tau after generations of colonial oppression—and as a child Heifara watched men from around the village come to his father to receive these sacred markings. However, when Heifara was only 8 years old, his father called him and his siblings into the hale t?tau behind their home. Despite the tears and protest of the younger siblings, one by one, each was tattooed with their initials on their upper forearm… so that they could be identified if ever kidnapped by black birders… Heifara’s father did not pass on his practice of t?tau to his children; moreover, he made Heifara promise never to get any other tattoos. If you knew Heifara, you know this was a promise he could never keep—but out of love for his father, he always left his right arm bare, except for those two initials, HA. As for the rest of his body, Heifara carried stories of his identity from chest to toe. By carrying on the legacy of his father, Heifara’s t?tau imbued countless individuals with blessings of resilience, pride, and spiritual protection—and brought healing to his own bloodline as well. 

Heifara was a healer in more ways than one. He was a skilled practitioner in lomi and l??au lapa?au, curing the sick when western medicine could not—and a gentle counselor who’s heart somehow always knew just what to say. He mentored countless youth, and others of all ages, sharing his expertise in the arts of Tahitian dance, to?ere, nose flute, weaving and much more. Music lived inside of Heifara’s heart and soul; he was not only the vocalist, the drummer, the strummer, or the dancer—but the maker of the instruments—the choreographer of the dance. Heifara was a phenomenal carver who etched his visions into any medium, whether wood, rock, bone, shell or coral. Through the dexterity of his knowing hands, he chiseled beautifully decorated drums, ukulele, and nose flutes; instruments of Polynesian pride, and ultimately of resistance. 

Heifara recognized that reconnection to culture was vital for survival in these times, and was a kuleana he carried so gracefully. As a first language speaker of Te Reo M?‘ohi, Heifara knew the significance of keeping native languages alive. With his family from Tahiti, he always chose to speak their mother language rather than French; and with his family in Hawai?i, Heifara prioritized learning and practicing ‘?lelo Hawai‘i whenever he could. In times when malo were rarely ever seen outside of events such as Merry Monarch or makahiki celebrations, Heifara could be seen rocking his any day of the week; prepping fiber out on the moana in Anahola—he never had to be in the spotlight to showcase his roots, but was a true embodiment of renaissance and revival.

Renowned throughout the islands as a master weaver of coconut fiber, Heifara dedicated his life to reviving this nearly lost Hawaiian art form. His name itself prophesied his legacy: hei, meaning lei, and fara, referring to the hala, or pandanus fruit. During his time here on earth, Heifara’s hands not only composed the most breathtaking lei of coconut fiber you could ever be blessed to lay eyes on—but through all of his creations, his music, his words and his deeds—Heifara wove a lei of love that encompassed us all.

Always sharing what he had, and giving freely to anyone he saw the opportunity to help, Heifara carried himself under a code of aloha that is forgotten by most in this day and age. From the countless songs that poured forth from his belly throughout the day and well into the dusk, to the beautiful meals he so lovingly prepared to nourish both his beloveds and his guests; if you were lucky enough to visit Heifara and Lori at their home, you would not be leaving empty handed—but rather, with a heart full of music, and arms full of beautiful fruits and veggies straight from their mala ‘ai.

Heifara has loved and is loved by many, kupuna to keiki. He is survived by his partner Lori, his mother, Teurihei Tuanua, brothers Atani and Bany, sisters Françoise and Vanina, and children Timeri, Raimanu and Moeiti Aiamu, Kelea and Zuri. 

Please join us in celebrating ka momi o Kaua‘i, our precious pearl Heifara Aiamu, November 16th, 2024. Imu and potluck will take place from 12-5 at 2340 Kealia Rd., Kealia HI 96751. Bring your instruments, stories, and all of your love for this beautiful man as we come together to honor him, and give thanks for his time here on Earth.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Heifara Daniel Aiamu, please visit our Tree Store.