Paula Kurashige Obituary

PAULA KAREN MIYASHIRO KURASHIGE Paula Karen Miyashiro Kurashige, 81, passed away on August 26, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Born on March 27, 1944, to Paul and Frances Miyashiro, Paula was a devoted wife, mother, grand- mother, respected educator, and beloved member of the community. A 1962 graduate of Kalani High School, Paula continued her studies at the University of Hawaii, later earning her graduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In 1966, she began her lifelong career in education as a speech teacher at Punahou School. Paula went on to become an Academy Dean, with her first class graduating in 1979, and also served as a college counselor. For more than four decades, she guided and inspired students with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering support, retiring in 2010 after a full and meaningful career. Paula's legacy lives on in the countless students, families and colleagues whose lives she touched. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Kurashige; her brother Leigh Miyashiro, her son and daughter-in-law, Tyler and Emma Kurashige; and her cherished grandchildren, Kate and Bodhi Kurashige. A service celebrating Paula's life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Thurston Memorial Chapel on the Punahou School campus. Visitation will begin at 11am, the service to follow at 12 noon.