KENNETH KAZUMI FURUKAWA

Kenneth "Ken" Kazumi Furukawa, 73, of Ewa Beach and Aiea passed away on April 6, 2023. He was born to Alex & Evelyn Furukawa on July 9, 1949, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His hanabata days were spent growing up in Palolo Valley, then graduating from Kaimuki High School in 1967 and the University of Hawaii in 1972.

Ken’s career with the State of Hawaii Department of Education began in 1973 and spanned more than 44 years. He served in over
15 schools across the island–as a classroom teacher. a district specialist, and administrator–always willing to go wherever he was needed. The last decades of his career were devoted to being a vice principal, notably at Waimalu Elementary, Moanalua High School, and, finally with the McKinley Community School for Adults, the McKinley and Farrington High School campuses.
All the while, Ken’s love for the culture and history of Hawaii had inspired him to become "a collector" of antiques and memorabilia. In 2014, his vast collection became the foundation for another lifelong dream realized with the opening of his shop, Surf ‘N Hula Hawaii, in the heart of his Kaimuki hometown. Watch Ken’s YouTube video interview about "Surf ‘N Hula Hawaii Vintage Hawaiiana" for a glimpse of his warm, easy-going personality and enthusiasm for sharing!
Ken will be greatly missed by the friends and family who have loved him, laughed with him, and respected him for his kindness and generosity through the years. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Faye, daughter Lindsay Ann Furukawa (Brendon) and son Laine Furukawa (Jessica). He is also survived by brothers Glenn Furukawa (Gloria) and Morris Furukawa (Lianne) and sister Joyce Yoshida. He was also a very proud grandfather, leaving behind six grandsons–ages 2 through 19–to follow in their grandpa’s footsteps–loving the Lord and loving people!