Lillian Kobayashi Obituary

LILLIAN HINO KOBAYASHI Lillian Tamako Hino Kobayashi, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on January 15, 1929, in Wahiawa, Hawai'i, she was the daughter of Reverend Yoshio and Hisako Hino and one of six children. Lillian grew up in Wahiawa and she attended Leilehua High School. Her family moved to Maui in her junior year and she graduated from Baldwin High School before attending the University of Hawai'i, where she earned her degree from the School of Social Work. To support herself through college, she worked as a live-in nanny, demonstrating the resourcefulness and determination that would guide her throughout her life. In 1954, Lillian married Kunio Kobayashi, and together they raised two children, Mark and Sandy. She dedicated her professional life to helping others, working as a social worker on Maui and later as a college counselor at Maui Community College, where she guided countless students on their educational journeys. A devoted member of Makawao Hongwanji, Lillian lived in Pukalani and was deeply engaged in her community. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafts, and flower arranging, and she cherished time spent with family and friends. A proud supporter of University of Hawai'i athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers, she was always cheering on her favorite teams. Lillian and Kunio shared a love of travel, embarking on many adventures together, including cruises and trips to Japan, Las Vegas, Europe, Egypt, Thailand, and China. Her kindness, warmth, and resourcefulness touched all who knew her. Lillian is survived by her brother Akira Hino, her children Mark and Sandy (Bruce Fujimoto), and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Private services and interment will be held at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin and Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The family requests no koden. Donations may be made in her memory to Makawao Hongwanji, P.O. Box 188, Makawao, HI 96768. A celebration of life for both Lillian and Kunio Kobayashi will be held on November 1, 2025 at Makawao Hongwanji on Maui, Remebrance Service at 11a, followed by lunch at 12n. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring both Kunio and Lillian. If you know the Kobayashis, please join us! We would love to celebrate with you. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC