Post Office Renamed in Honor of 1st Lt. John Kuʻulei Kauhaihao
Posted on Jun 3, 2025 in Webmaster Comments
In a moving tribute to one of Hawaiʻi Island’s own, the Captain Cook Post Office has been officially renamed in honor of U.S. Army 1st Lt. John Kuʻulei Kauhaihao — a native son who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
Born in Honaunau / Captain Cook on April 17, 1942, Kauhaihao began his military journey with the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, serving as an infantryman in Company C (-), 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry. His commitment to service took him from his island home to the frontlines of Vietnam, where he was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army Vietnam. Tragically, Kauhaihao was killed in action on September 5, 1969, in Tay Ninh Province, just months after his deployment.
For his extraordinary valor and sacrifice, Lt. Kauhaihao was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, and several other military honors — recognizing a legacy of courage that continues to inspire generations.
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