Diane Kaya Obituary

DIANE HATSUKO KAYA 98 years of age, passed away peacefully in Honolulu, HI on 4/27/2025. She was born in Okinawa on 12/11/1926. It was in Okinawa that she met and married the late Osamu Kaya who was a surveyor with the Army Corps of Engineers. It was there, their two sons, Charles and Edward were born. In 1960, the family relocated to Honolulu. Diane would take English lessons, learn the art of barbering, and get her American Citizenship. She was an independent business woman, owner of Lucky Barbershop on Pensacola St. and later in Kapahulu. Somehow, she found the time to pursue her love of music, was certified to teach koto, sanshin, and singing, and in 1994 she founded her own school, Kaya Sokyoku Kyoshitsu. In 2017, she was honored by the Hawaii United Okinawa Association for her cultural contributions, as one of the Uchinanchus of the Year. She loved to travel and shared her talent by performing at Ginowan Shinnen Enkai, Okinawan Festival, and at various concerts in Okinawa, Australia, Washington, Los Angeles and Hawaii. She also traveled around Japan, Europe, and South America. She is survived by her son Edward (Christine Hara) Kaya, her daughter in law Sheila (Charles, deceased) Kaya, and her grandchildren, John Kozak, Christopher, Shawn, Brandon. Funeral will be at Hosoi on August 2, 2025, Service at 11 am with visitation before and reception afterwards. She will be interred with Osamu at the National Cemetery of the Pacific. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary