Jane Leina‘ala Palenapa Asing, born on May 10, 1939, to Carrie Wong Sing (Palenapa) and Joseph K. Palenapa, was the youngest of eight children in a loving and close-knit family. Raised in Honolulu on Lusitana Street, Jane’s formative years were enriched by a vibrant family life. She began her education at the Royal School, continued at Kawānanakoa middle school, and graduated from McKinley High School. During her childhood, her family moved to Papakōlea Hawaiian Homestead, a move that would shape much of her life. The Papakōlea Homestead, founded in 1934, became the first Hawaiian Homestead on Oahu and the third chartered homestead in the state.

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As a child, Jane relished the simple joys of playing outdoors with friends, indulging in games of marbles, jacks, and hide-and-seek. Her family often spent time together at Ala Moana and Waikiki Beach, where many cherished memories were made. At the age of five, Jane joined her mother and grandmother in crafting beautiful leis for malihini arriving on luxury Matson liners such as the Matsonia and Lurline. The famous lei stands and lei makers of Honolulu, as they are affectionately remembered. This early involvement in lei-making was not just a family tradition but also a cornerstone of her life’s work and passions, sparking a lifelong dedication to her family’s business and the rich cultural heritage of her people.

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Jane's love story began in high school with Patrick Tuitele Asing, whom she married at the age of 16 in 1955 in their beloved Papakōlea community. Together, they built a beautiful family that includes five children—Kaipo, Justin, Leini, Manu, and Rocky—and an ever-growing number of offsprings, 17 grandchildren and 30+ great grandchildren. Their genealogical roots trace back to Hawaii Island, with ancestral connections to Patʻs family in Pololu in Kohala, and Ola’a in Puna. Janeʻs ancestors came from Ka’u and Kokoiki. The Asing family shared a deep love for the Hawaiian countryside, spending time together on various ranches such as Kapapala, Kapanaia, Parker, and Ainahou Ranch. Outdoor traditions like camping and fishing were vital parts of family life, and they created lasting memories in places like Miloli’i, Keokea, Kawaihae, Keaukaha, and Waipi’o.

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In 1973, Jane and Patrick moved from Kalāwahine, Oahu, to Hawaii Island, and in 1977, they settled in Kuhio Village. Pat, later became a respected leader and President of the Waimea Hawaiian Homestead Association, where his leadership left a significant impact. Three of their children continue to embrace the paniolo lifestyle, creating a paniolo legacy in Waimea.

A true community servant, Jane devoted much of her life to helping others, especially those in need. In the early 1980s, she became the program director for the Senior Citizen Program at the Waimea Chapter. In this role, she tirelessly supported the kūpuna (elders), organizing weekly grocery trips to Kona and ensuring they felt cared for in a time when Waimea did not have a KTA store. Jane would pick up the kūpuna early in the morning, take them to the Senior Center, and make sure they had access to meals, activities, and social events across Hawaii Island.

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In 1983, she was crowned Mo’i Wahine Queen of the Aloha Week

Festival for the Island of Hawaii, a testament to her vibrant personality

and deep connection to her community. She also later became the

queen of the Waimea Red Hat Society, reflecting her influential role

in the community. In the late 1980s, Jane transitioned to becoming a

tour driver for Parker Ranch Tours, where her warm spirit and

storytelling talents earned her a cherished place in the hearts of both

visitors and locals. She also worked part-time as a security officer with

the Hawaii Protective Agency.

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Music was always an integral part of Jane's life. She performed with

Aunty Maryann Lim at the Mauna Lani and Maunakea Hotels and

contributed to the Hawaiian music scene at various hotels, restaurants,

and venues across the island. She played multiple instruments,

including the violin, piano, ukulele, guitar, steel guitar, and upright

bass, and often shared her beautiful voice with audiences.

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Music illuminates her spirit! She has shared the stage with Maryann Lim at the Mauna Lani and Maunakea Hotels and has played a significant role in the musical scene at Hilo Hattie’s, KonaAirport, King Shops, and various hotels and restaurants. With her deep appreciation for Hawaiian music, she practices and sings almost every day, showcasing her talents on several instruments, such as the violin, piano, ukulele, guitar, steel guitar, and upright bass. Her beautiful voice and graceful hula hands spread joy wherever she goes. She loves her lei akulikuli and Some of her most favored and cherished songs include Nani Venuse, Pennies from Heaven, Paper Roses, Broken Hearts, Kanaka Waiwai, Hale’iwa Hula, and the Queens Jubilee.

 

Christmas was a particularly special time for Jane, as she loved to organize a backyard homestead band that would go caroling in Kuhio Village and throughout Waimea town, spreading joy and bringing the community together. She is a proud advocate for the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and music, and she takes great pride in it.

Throughout her life, Jane was heavily involved in organizations that promoted community unity and Hawaiian culture. She was a dedicated member of the Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, Kaahumanu Society, Hale o Na Ali’i, Waimea Community Chorus, and the Waimea Senior Center. Jane also taught ukulele and upright bass classes at Tutu’s House and was a big part of the Waimea Hawaiian Homes Riding Unit.

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Jane’s passion for the Hawaiian language led her to work with language leaders like Larry Kimura to help establish the Punana Leo school for Waimea families. She played a key role in forming the Punana Leo through the Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders Association, which became an important cultural milestone. Additionally, Jane was one of the founding members of the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations (SCHHA), which advocates for Native Hawaiian sovereignty and self-determination under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920.

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Jane also helped launch the Waimea Community Pasture Group, providing space for Waimea lessees to support their livestock and horses. She learned essential ranching skills, including saddle-making, lariat creation, and whip-making from experienced paniolo like Uncle Teddy Bell, Uncle Tada Higashi, and Uncle Sonny Kaniho. These skills allowed her to maintain her agricultural farm in Pu’ukapu, where she and her husband raised animals like sheep, horses, chickens, geese, and pigs. Today, her daughter and grandchildren continue to care for the animals, preserving the ranching lifestyle that Jane has always loved.

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Jane continues to live in her Kuhio Village home with her daughter Manu and family. Her favorite meal is laulau, and she enjoys custard pie for dessert, If given the choice, she'd indulge in dessert at every meal.

Nowadays, she finds joy in listening to Hawaiian music and loves watching

YouTube videos of her grandchildren playing. She also enjoys tackling crosswords

and puzzles and loves to reminisce about her late husband and the many adventures

they shared together.

 

Jane is still full of sass, spunk, and quick-witted remarks. She treasures her life here in Waimea and all the wonderful experiences that countryliving has brought her.  She often expresses love for her Waimea homeland and its beauty in the bosom of Mauna Kea. Ua Nani Waimea Kau I Ka Poli O Maunakea. Jane Leina‘ala Palenapa Asing’s life is a testament to her unwavering commitment to family, community, culture, and the preservation of Hawaiian traditions. Her legacy continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who carry forward her passion for music, hula, and community

service.