Wayne Ho‘olae Sterling, hotel resort manager, Vietnam War veteran, husband, father and supporter of the Hokule‘a, died at home in Kailua on Wednesday evening after a battle with cancer. He was 70.
His family called him “a force of a man” with unwavering loyalty. “In his core he was a caretaker,” said Paula D. Sterling, his wife of 31 years. “He took care of family, his co-workers and employees and his friends — his friends were his next of kin. He was just so loyal and shared so many deep and wonderful, profound friendships.”
Born Sept. 24, 1946, in Honolulu, Sterling was a lifelong Kailuan. He was an avid athlete at Punahou School, graduating in 1965.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in travel industry management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, he had a lifelong career in resort hotel management which took him to California, Tahiti, Samoa and the Marshall Islands. He retired as general manager of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach in 2003 and continued to work as a consultant.
As executive director and a board member of Friends of Hokule‘a and Hawai‘iloa, he played a pivotal role in raising funds for the refurbishment of the canoes.
His late brother, Leon, was part of the crew that survived the Hokule‘a’s first voyage in 1978.
“He came to the Friends to ensure that Hawai‘iloa would once again sail our oceans, helping with fundraising and doing what he could to make that dream a reality,” wrote friend Billy Richards in an email.
“And doing so in the name of his late brother, Leon Sterling … As we celebrate our accomplishments at the upcoming fundraiser, let us keep an open seat for Wayne. Raise a glass in his honor and name, and wish him well on his journey home to the stars.”
Sterling served as president of the advisory council for Bishop Museum and in various capacities for Windward Senior Center, Rotary International and St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church.
“We have lost our rock,” said daughter Lilinoe Sterling. “We will continue to love him, in every moment.”
He is survived by wife Paula D. Sterling; children Malia Manava Sterling, John K. Lawo, Caroline B. Lawo, R. Lilinoekekapahauomaunakea Sterling and S. Kapuahelani Sterling (Bryson Anthony Keolamaikalani Villarosa); sisters Marion Ka‘ainahuna (Sterling) Salazar and Becky Kahihilani (Sterling) Kala; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 23 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Kailua.
