Hope Kihune Obituary

HOPE PUANANI ZABLAN KIHUNE Hope Puanani Zablan Kihune, age 84, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She graduated from Castle High School in 1959 and was married to retired Vice Admiral Robert Kihune, USN, for 65 years. The beloved mother of Tracy Kihune, Lisa Ann Kihune Ocampo, and pre-deceased son Gordon Kihune, she also is survived by a brother Jay Zablan, a half-brother Marcus Zablan, and two half-sisters Benelyn and U'ilani. Her pre-deceased half-brothers and half-sisters include Francis, Lyman, Lawrence, Jensen, Edith and Rosebelle. She has three grandchildren: Kyle Kihune, Christina Wooten, and Emily Ocampo. Hope touched the lives of many, especially Navy families. She generously gave her time to support Navy wives and ombudsman organizations and volunteered to participate in fundraising for the USO, Navy Relief, and other charity drives. While her husband was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, she was awarded a commendation from the Commander in Chief of U.S. Forces Europe for her efforts to improve U.S.- European relations. She was also awarded a medal by the Secretary of the Navy for her efforts to improve the quality of life of our Navy families. But her greatest pride was when she was designated as the Sponsor by the Secretary of the Navy of the new Navy Minesweeper, USS ROBIN (MHC-54) and she christened the ship by smashing a bottle of champagne on the ship's bow, launching the new ship into the Gulf of Mexico. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus' Bishop Memorial Chapel. Visitation will begin at 2:30pm with services at 3:30pm