Christa Wittmier, ‘SuperCW,’ chronicler of Honolulu nightlife, dies at 43
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / 2018
As part of her wellness routine, Christa Wittmier received a vitamin C intravenous drip twice a week from naturopath Dr. Stephen Benchouk of Hawaii Natural Medicine. Wittmier died of cancer Thursday.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / 2016
Christa Wittmier, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in May 2015, died Thursday at the age of 43. Wittmier is pictured at her home with her dog.
STAR-ADVERTISER / 2014
Christa Wittmier was a staple of Honolulu’s night scene. She DJ’d the Grey Goose Melon Vodka Launch party on May 2, 2014, at The M Nightclub in Honolulu.
Christa Wittmier, who became one of the most recognized figures on Honolulu’s nightlife scene over the last decade, lost her battle with cancer on Thursday.
She died in Minnesota with family at her side, according to several sources. She was 43.
Known as “SuperCW,” Wittmier waged a well-documented battle with cancer for 3-1/2 years, and became a cause celebre in Oahu’s urban hipster and social circles, which raised money for her treatment and followed her condition. During that time, she co-founded the nonprofit Aloha Cancer Project to help raise awareness and to help other cancer patients.
Wittmier was a popular DJ, former marketing director, event planner and blogger (her “SuperCity” was posted on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser website). She worked at Young’s Market Co. as marketing director for eight years and became a ubiquitous presence at community events and parties. Her blog, supercw.com, became a trusted source for commentary on Honolulu nightlife, paving the way for other bloggers and online entertainment coverage. She received numerous awards for blogging.
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Wittmier came to Hawaii while on active duty with the Navy, and also received awards for her military service.
A musician from an early age, she developed DJ skills and won a contest after being invited to compete on somewhat of a lark.
“It was a college thing, and I’m this 30-year-old on stage kicking ass,” she told the Star-Advertiser in 2016. She would go on to become one of the island’s more popular DJs.
Wittmier was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in May 2015. After four months she appeared to be in remission, but a year later Wittmier’s cancer had returned and spread to her liver, lungs and brain.
Despite her condition, she remained active, undergoing holistic treatments, traveling to places like New Zealand and continuing her work promoting cancer awareness. Some of her recent appearances included playing for the season premiere afterparty for “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum P.I.” in September and a gig at The Republik in October. She was also directing a documentary about her experience with cancer.
In December 2016, even as her condition worsened, Wittmier reflected on her experience with a positive attitude and gratification.
“Can you believe it? That’s so crazy,” she said. “I came here in the Navy, and how did I get to do all that? I know why: It’s because you can be whatever you want to be, and that’s what I wanted to do.”
Details on services have yet to be announced. Flash Hansen, a friend of Wittmier’s and a fellow event promoter, said on his Instagram page announcing her death that a celebration of life is likely to be held in February.
