Melissa Ellen Ka’aeamoku Adams Mawae passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, at 5:48 a.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026, due to complications from cancer. She faced her illness with quiet strength, curiosity, and grace.

Melissa was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunty, and friend. She is survived by her husband, Jonah Kaleialoha Mawae and stepson, Jonah Mawae Jr. of Waipahu, HI; her parents, Paula and James Weathers of Clayton, NC; and James and Vlatka Adams of Harker Heights, TX; her siblings, Mark and Wendy Adams of Wallace, NC; Elizabeth and Alexis Pupo of Brewer, ME; Joshua Adams of Clayton, NC; and Marin Biletic of Dallas, TX.

She was a cherished aunty to Jasmine Brown and Dara Andre of Providence, RI; Monet Adams and Tre Parham of Fayetteville, NC; Naomi Brown of Covington, WA; Leilani Brown of Philadelphia, PA; and Oliver Moon of Brewer, ME. She was a proud great-aunty to Amelia and Haiden Parham of Fayetteville, NC.

Melissa was blessed with chosen sisters in Anika Choudhury, Gianna and Angela Smith, and Joanne Hiyashi, and is lovingly remembered by her extended ‘ohana and the family who lived with and supported her throughout her journey.

A graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Melissa studied geology and volcanology and worked as a park ranger at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. She later pursued graduate studies at UH Mānoa and interned with NASA’s Mars program. She loved learning, treasured her Hawaiian heritage, and collected life’s small treasures with care and meaning.

Above all, Melissa was an extraordinary listener. She made people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Her legacy of compassion, curiosity, strength, and aloha lives on in all who knew her.

Until we see you again, A hui hou.

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