Mabel Kaleimaeʻole was born in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, at Kapiʻolani Hospital on March 20, 1939, to her parents Charles P. Anderson and Mamie K. Anderson. Her father was from Philadelphia, and her mother from Oʻahu, bringing together diverse roots that would grow into a life grounded deeply in Hawaiʻi and its people.

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She was one of thirteen siblings, raised with strong values of family, responsibility, and perseverance. She spent her early years in Kaimukī before moving to Waimea in 1954, after her mother’s homestead, awarded in 1952, became their family home. That move would shape the rest of her life—and, in many ways, help shape Waimea itself.

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As a young girl, Mabel was already known for her strength and independence. She rode her horse Champ, drove her father’s milk tanker and cattle truck, and embraced the ranching lifestyle with confidence and determination. She helped raise milking cows, chased cattle, fixed fences, and maintained the daily work of ranch life, work that continued even after she married and raised her own family.

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On April 21, 1955, she married her beloved husband, Donald Tolentino. Together, they built a life centered on love, laughter, and ʻohana. They raised four children, Haunani, Teresa, Tammy, and Donald Jr., and their legacy continues through seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Her favorite being Shawn.

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Mabel was a working woman of many talents. She was a truck driver on her parentʻs dairy and ranch. She was a security officer at Waimea and Honokaʻa schools to keep an eye on her son. She was a tour driver for Parker Ranch. She served as a concierge at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Outrigger Waikoloa Resort were she was awarded the Outstanding Employee of the year. Beyond her occupations, it was her service to the community that truly defined her life.

She was a leader.

She served as President of the Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, as a state board officer and Ikū Haʻi of Hale O Nā Aliʻi O Hawaiʻi, Hālau ʻO Keliʻiahonui and President of the Kaʻahumanu Society.

As one of the members of the Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club that founded Kawaihae Canoe Club, she steered canoes for many years, even though she could not swim. She also served as an official with Moku O Keawe Canoe Association for over 40 years and her joyful and fierce voice could be heard across the ocean from the stands in Hilo, Kona, and Kawaihae.

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She was a cultural practitioner and advocate. Through the civic club, she organized May Day lei contests, entertained at school programs, and spent countless Saturdays at Kings’ Shops fundraising through lei making. She served as a cultural demonstrator at Puʻukoholā Heiau and helped welcome visitors at Japan Airlines at Keāhole Airport. She was a voice for the Hawaiian community.

She helped advance resolutions that supported Hawaiian education and cultural preservation, including efforts that contributed to the establishment of Pūnana Leo and Kanu O Ka ʻĀina, and the preservation of the historic Ala Kahakai, the King’s Trail. She was a steward of tradition.
For 34 years, she served as a Kamehameha Day lei draper, honoring our aliʻi with dignity, care, and aloha.

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In 1972, she served as Moʻi Wahine for the 25th anniversary of Aloha Week Festivals. After her reign, she became the coordinator for the royal court. She also entered and won Ms. Aloha Nui in 2003 where she danced Ke Anu O Waimea. 

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Mabel found joy in the simple and meaningful things—spending time with ʻohana and friends, dancing hula, camping, fishing, and traveling to places like Disneyland, San Francisco, and Las Vegas with her “handsome husband” to celebrate their anniversary. She was known for her humor, her strength, and her honesty—never afraid to speak her mind, and always unapologetically herself.

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Mabel Kaleimaeʻole Tolentino passed on June 7, 2012—but her legacy continues to live on in Waimea and beyond. Today, as we honor her as a Waimea Living Treasure in memoriam, we recognize that her life was not just lived—it was given in service to others, rooted in culture, and carried forward through generations.

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May we continue her work.
May we honor her strength.
And may we live with the same aloha she shared so freely.

Mahalo nui loa, Mabel Tolentino 
You will always be a treasure of Waimea.