Dana Michael Alika Opupele's Obituary
IN MEMORY OF DANA MICHAEL ALIKA OPUPELE
(February 7, 1949 -May 22, 2026)
With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Dana Michael Alika Opupele on May 22, 2026. A beloved husband and father, he was 77 years old.
Dana was born on February 7, 1949, in Wailuku, Hawaii, to Annie and Joseph K. Opupele IV. He attended Kahului School and graduated from Farrington High School. In 1969, he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He completed combat training at Fort Dix with Company E, 5th Battalion, graduating on February 19, 1971, and was deployed to South Korea in 1972.
Following his military service, Dana earned his Electrical Apprenticeship license in 1973. This launched a distinguished 50-year career as an electrical contractor. As the founder of Delta Electric, he dedicated much of his professional life to maintaining all Department of Education (DOE) schools, where he took great pride in mentoring the next generation of electricians.
A devoted family man, Dana is survived by his beloved wife, Veronica L. Cabatu; his son, Daniel Opupele; his daughters, Norine (Hanale) Toriki, Janine (Addison) Opupele-Zukeran, and Danalle (Danson) Keli'i; and his stepchildren, Jason Salvador, Jaymie (Elena) Cabatu, and Melanie (Steven) Gaspar. He also leaves behind his brother, Charles Kahakauwila; sister, Carol (Donald) Souza; half-siblings John, Jerry, and Jane Kusonoki, with special acknowledgment of the Kahakauwila family; as well as 12 grandchildren, 19 step-grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Dana's tireless work ethic was matched only by his generous heart. Outside of work, he was an exceptional cook, an avid wrestling fan, and an accomplished scuba diver who logged over 20,000 dives throughout his life. He had a deep love for fishing, learning new recipes, barbecuing, and taking leisurely drives with his wife. Dana touched countless lives with his warm smile and community spirit, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
SERVICE DETAILS
A celebration of Dana's life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Christ the King Church (Kahului, Maui). Visitation: 9:00 AM -11:00 AM. Mass/ Service: 11:00 AM -12:00 PM
Flowers and lei are welcome and may be sent directly to Christ the King Church for the service.
What’s your fondest memory of Dana?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dana?
Share a story where Dana's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dana you’ll never forget.
How did Dana make you smile?