Charles Kaleoaloha Kahaleauki, Jr.
Year Inducted: 2015
Kaupō Ranch | Maui
Charles Kaleoaloha Kahaleauki, Jr., or “Chunga,” as we know him, was born to Charles Kaleoaloha Kahaleauki, Sr. and Ceclia Kikia Poepoe Kahaleauki on September 14, 1940, in Kaupō, Maui. At the age of 16, after attending Kaupō School, `Ulupalakua School and… for a period of time… Lahainaluna High School, he returned to Kaupō. He was hired as a cowboy by Kaupō Ranch owner Dwight Baldwin, thus following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
During Chunga’s 45 years and 14 days as a dedicated employee of Kaupō Ranch, he managed a multitude of tasks. In addition to working the cattle, his responsibilities included taking care of the water system and pumps, and driving ranch trucks used to haul cattle over the rugged roads out of Kaupō to Young Brothers in Kahului. As an incredible horseman, Chunga broke over 100 head of donkey, mules, and colts for the ranch. Outside of work, he demonstrated his skill with horses by participating in local rodeos riding in a number of events: Rough Stock, Bare Back Bronc, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding. He also worked weekends for a neighboring ranch in Kaupō, Alaakua Ranch, where he maintained the fence and water systems as well as caring for the cattle.
In 1957, Charles started his own ranch on lease lands and named it “Kaleo X5,” where he raised breeding cows. In 1964, he married Mary Jane Gomes and started his own family. Charles has two sons, Francis and Harry, three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Charles sadly lost Mary Jane in 2012.
Showing his love of Kaupō and his dedication to being a steward of the land, Chunga started Charley’s Pack Trip in 1974, guiding tourists into Haleakalā Crater through Kaupō Gap. Over the years, he has shown over 1,200 people the beauty of the area while teaching them its history. Chunga also served as President of the Paniolo O`Kaupō Rodeo Club and served as a member and caretaker of Huialoha Church.