Talented Tatofi Family Gives Back To HMC

A talented local family entertained the patients, doctors and staff at Hilo Medical Center’s Hawaii Pacific Oncology Center in a special performance on Monday, Dec. 23.

The family of Tivaini Tatofi, an original member of Hawaiian music super group Kapena, offered an array of Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, oldies and hula.

Along with members of the Free Church of Tonga, Tatofi and his family wanted to spread holiday cheer and show their appreciation for the oncology center, where his father, the Rev. Tupou Tatofi, patriarch of the family and head of the church, is being cared for.

“We wanted to give back to the community, but particularly to the hospital and the center, not only for the love and hospitality that they’ve shown our family personally in the last couple of months, but for the love and care they share with us all year round,” Tatofi said. “We can’t thank the doctors and staff enough for their time and care. We appreciate all that they do for us and the community.”

Lavinia Tatofi performs a Samoan dance while her father, brother and uncle play music in the background. Courtesy photo.

East Hawaii Regional CEO Howard Ainsley thanked them “for taking the time during the holiday season to share their talents in music and dance with our patients and staff.”

Dr. Kevin Wilcox, oncology center medical director, said it was “wonderful to see so many of our patients and staff made so happy. The Tatofi family shared so much love and cheer from their hearts.”

Tatofi is not the only popular recording artist in the family. Son Josh recently released his second album, which features his song, “Taken.”

Meanwhile his daughters are pursuing careers in medicine. Oldest daughter Elizabeth is in her second year of medical school at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. His two younger daughters, Lavinia and Vika, attend the University of Hawaii, planning to enroll in nursing programs.