Dr. Michael Pierner

Michael Pierner, 81, of Paia, Hawaii has passed away suddenly on May 25, 2025.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Michael’s family moved to California at the age of 2. As the youngest of 3 siblings, his mother told stories of a sweet chubby infant who became a rambunctious, inquisitive and boisterous toddler. The repeated tale of Little Mikey being wheeled home in a red wagon sitting in a pool of blood from a shallow head wound into the living room as his mother who was the President of the PTA was hosting afternoon tea, was always a favorite story. 

In the 60’s, after High school, Michael backpacked through Europe for months and returned home to California with long hair, a goat skin vest and flare jeans. Michael embarked on a wide variety of career experiences such as dipping candles and sewing leather bags (sold them on the side of the road dressed hippie garb), ATSF brakeman (continued using railroad hand signs all his life), Tom’s Candy delivery (yup, he sold candy out of a white van out of glass jars), auto repair (hated the computerized ones and preferred older cars he could tear apart and rebuild) and carpentry. During his college years he owned a pizza parlor and renovated and flipped houses in California and Oregon for tuition to graduate with a Minor in Psychology from California College Hayward and a Doctorate in Chiropractic from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland. Dr. Michael’s 50 years of Chiropractic service has left a legacy of healing and teachings. He would choose to remind you that we are each in control of our ‘motion’ through life and that each body is self healing.

Michael had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and would spend hours every morning researching his latest topics of interest. He was never afraid to take on new opportunities or explore wild adventures. He approached any stranger as a friend. He was always there to lend a hand and be a pillar of strength. Michael accomplished everything with honesty, integrity and genuine gusto. He chose a life abundant with meaningful acts. In his mind he was always 20 and would often need to be reminded he was in his 80’s.

Since moving to Hawaii in 1979, he has held chiropractic offices in Wailuku, Lahaina, Pukalani, Makawao, Kahului and Kihei. He was always thankful for the decades long friendships that were forged and constantly awed and humbled by the Spirit of Aloha that he was showered with.

When dragged away from his weekend warrior carpentry, he enjoyed hiking the Wall of Tears and to hidden waterfalls, hot cocoa and sunsets at Rice Park, errands to Home Depot, camping at Plenty Kiawe and Hosmers and just being with his family and Yuki.

He requested his celebration of life be small and suggested we “Take my ashes on a hike or swim.” We are undecided at the moment and in lieu of flowers we ask that you please leave us a story about him so your memory will be a part of our shared memories now.