Matthew Mark Hawkins

Language permits access to all human knowledge. By studying second languages, we expand knowledge exponentially to include different modes of thinking, views of reality, and cultural practices. We become much more adept at interacting with, and understanding, the world. This leads to a more enjoyable life.” (Matthew Hawkins)

Born October 23, 1969, in New York, Matthew and his family moved to Oahu and later Hawai'i, where he spent his formative years.  There he developed his deep love of the ocean, becoming an avid lifelong surfer and swimmer. Matthew loved to lay down in the sand, warming his muscles, before going out for a long swim. He could often be found relaxing in a hammock, strategically located for optimum viewing of the surf.

At 10 years old Matthew and his family moved to the mainland - San Francisco, where he graduated from George Washington High School where he was popular with his peers. It was there, in high school he cultivated a pack of close friends with whom he remained connected throughout his life.  Even in the days before email, and cell phones, Matthew was known to make the effort to maintain friendships and connections with his broad circle of friends and was loved by the many people with whom he crossed paths from all over the world.

Matthew had a love for travel and photography and an affinity for languages. He took great pride in sending postcards and photos with messages of his journeys making many both jealous and inspired to follow his footsteps. Trips to Hawai'i, and across Europe, a year studying French abroad in Bordeaux, and teaching English in South Korea, were big components of his life adventures. He loved experiencing the culture, food, and friendships he made during his travels.

Matt attended CUNY School of Law where he earned his JD.  Even as an attorney, Matt led with his heart, at one point, clerking for a Supreme Court Justice, representing U.S. immigrants with political asylum claims. Matt eventually came to realize that practicing law was not for him, and chose to take a different career path, in pursuit of physical and mental health, and happiness.  Matt moved back to Hawaii where he continued to cultivate his passions and branched out in new ways.

Matthew invested his energies in personal development classes and found new ways to bring good into the world around him by becoming an English teacher at the Juvenile Hall. He was also certified as an instructor at the Culinary Institute, took improv acting and dance classes, and earned a blue belt in Jui-Jitsu. 

In Hawaii, he met Samantha and cultivated a relationship with her and her children, becoming "Uncle Matt". He especially loved to spend time teaching Sati how to surf, and skateboarding. He made sure to take time to reconnect with friends, to focus on making life less stressful, and to be in the moment. He was committed to physical therapy, the gym, meditation, and swimming. He was a big believer in the "spread the Aloha" philosophy. 

On July 19th, 2024, Matthew passed away peacefully, finally free from the chronic pain that tormented him for almost two decades.  

Matt leaves behind his younger brother James, his mother Helen, his Hanai family the Murphy's, and an extended network of loved ones.