Ephraim Palaima Hai
Year Inducted: 2019
Kahuā Ranch LTD | Hawai'i
Ephraim Palaima Hai was born on April 13, 1914 to Winifred Boniface Scott Hai and Elizabeth Nani Piimauna Nohua of Kaupō, Maui. He was the eldest child born to his parents. He had three brothers: Adam Hai, Able Hai, Moses Hai and a hānai sister Roseline “Lokelia” Kahaleauki. He attended Kaupō School until the 6th grade. At 15 years old, he went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Keʻanae, Maui. Later, he worked for Kaupo Ranch.
On May 18, 1936 Ephraim married Alice Eulalia Kailiehu of Waiheʻe, Maui, and he, relocated to Waiheʻe. They had two children: Elmo Hai and Linda Ann Hai. Because providing for his family was very important, Ephraim went to work for the Waiheʻe Dairy as a cowboy and did so for several years.
Like his brother Adam Hai and cousin Andrew Piimauna, who were both already on Oʻahu working for the Hawaiian Pineapple Ranch, Ephraim went to Oʻahu for work. He got work with Hawaiian Pineapple Ranch and worked as a cowboy too. Hawaiian Pineapple Ranch would later become part of Kahuā Ranch Ltd.
Ephraim worked for Kahuā Ranch in Waialua. He and his family, and his brother Adam Hai and his family all lived on the ranch next door to each other. Ephraim enjoyed working the cattle and training his horses. He was an excellent horseman. And as usual on Fridays, after a hard week’s work, he’d enjoy pau hana with beverages and pupu’s shared with friends. Everyone would talk-story and sing. Life was good.
Ephraim worked for Kahuā Ranch until he retired in 1984. He passed on January 26, 1999.