Alfred "Chip" Pilialoha

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alfred Norman Chip Awaii Pilialoha (Chip), who left us on March 5, 2025, at the age of 61. Born on April 1, 1963, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Sadie and Christian Pilialoha, Chip was a devoted father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and ‘papa’. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A proud graduate of Waianae High School in 1981, Chip worked on the American Hawaii Cruises as a Cook before enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he spent five years in service to his country, spending that time serving overseas in Germany. While in the military, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from the University of Maryland – European Division. After serving in the military, he went on to work as a City Planner and was a Master Planner for the US Army 63rd Readiness Division up until his passing.

Chip was not only a man of service but a man of many passions. He grew up playing football, and was an avid volleyball player and coach, dedicating much of his time to the sport he loved. His love for volleyball and coaching ran deep, proudly coaching numerous youth teams and playing in various leagues throughout his life. Whether on the court or in the stands, Chip was a huge supporter of his children's athletic endeavors, always cheering them on with the same passion he brought to everything he did. 

Chip lived in Germany for approximately 20 years throughout his life and loved everything about the country. He loved to travel and see the world, and he was able to visit Africa, Australia, and numerous countries throughout Europe as well as throughout the United States. Even with all of the traveling he experienced, his heart was in Hawaii and Germany. He also enjoyed outrigger canoe paddling, where he had the opportunity to compete in Hawaii and throughout California. He had a deep love for music, with Bruce Springsteen being his lifelong favorite. If he was playing music, it was Bruce. He was able to even name a street after The Boss – Springsteen Lane.

Chip’s greatest pride was his family. In 1990, he became a father to his son, Brandon Kelii, and in 1994, his daughter, Ryen Kaiulani. In 2019, he gained his favorite title and became a ‘Papa’ to his only grandchild, Rylyn Kalea. His love for them knew no bounds, and he was always there to support, encourage, and guide them.

He is survived by his children, Brandon and Ryen (Cody) Pilialoha; granddaughter, Rylyn Pilialoha; his mother, Sadie Pilialoha (Colin); his brothers, Cyril (Kapena) and Christian Jr. Pilialoha, sister Crisal Pave; five nephews, two nieces, and many other extended family and friends, all of whom will miss his humor, his generosity, and his love for life. He is preceded in death by his father, Christian Ololua Pilialoha Sr. 

The family will be holding a celebration of life at Zablan Beach in Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii on Saturday, June 21, 2025.