‘He truly was the greatest’: Captain Cook Post Office renamed in honor of fallen Big Isle Vietnam War soldier

This story was updated as of 7:02 p.m. May 13, 2025, with additional details and quotes.

The life and legacy of a Big Island resident one family member says “truly was the greatest” man she’s ever known — who paid the ultimate price protecting his platoon, nation and freedom itself fighting in the Vietnam War — will now be delivered 24/7 daily to the world.

U.S. Postal Service officials and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, a Hawai‘i Democrat who represents the neighbor islands in Washington, joined by family members of the Hawai‘i Island war hero dedicated the Captain Cook Post Office in honor of the late U.S. Army 1st Lt. John Ku‘ulei Kauhaihao of Hōnaunau.

“It is an honor to be here today to dedicate this office to 1st Lt. John Ku‘ulei Kauhaihao. His bravery is an inspiration to us,” U.S. Postal Service Hawai‘i District Manager Eileen Veach said during a ceremony May 10 marking the dedication, according to a release issued after the event by the postal service.

The facility located at 82–6110 Māmalahoa Highway in Captain Cook is now officially known as the ‘‘Army 1st Lt. John Ku‘ulei Kauhaihao Post Office Building.’’

Kauhaihao was killed in action Sept. 5, 1969.

The 27-year-old was fatally injured during a reconnaissance-in-force operation when his platoon came under enemy fire in Vietnam’s Tay Ninh Province.

Kauhaihao spent the last moments of his life as the embodiment of bravery, courage, honor, loyalty, valor and dedication to his fellow servicemen.

He expertly directed his men and launched more than 30 hand grenades in a matter of just 15 minutes at enemy bunkers, drawing fire on himself and enabling his platoon to sight enemy gunners and return fire.

Kauhaihao also was able to recover vital equipment and help wounded soldiers get to safety.

He took his last breath — after being mortally wounded during the battle — still engaged in combat and advancing on enemy forces.

Kauhaihao’s widow and Konawaena High School sweetheart Shirley Kauhaihao said earlier this year in an anouncement about the Captain Cook Post Office being renamed in honor of her late husband that he was an excellent husband, father and man: “He truly was the greatest.”

He also loved being a soldier and loved his country.

”It is our sincere hope that naming the post office after John will bring recognition to the service and sacrifice of all Vietnam War veterans who served and died, as well as those who came home and continue to serve their communities and country, especially those from Hawaiʻi,” said Shirley Kauhaihao.

John Ku‘ulei Kauhaihao was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the U.S. Army’s second-highest medal for valor, on May 4, 1970, in honor of his extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force.

“Naming this post office in his honor ensures that his legacy of heroism and dedication to Hawai‘i and our nation will be remembered and will serve as an inspiration for all,” Hawai‘i Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara said in the announcement earlier this year.

Hara added that Kauhaihao’s exemplary bravery and ultimate sacrifice epitomize the highest ideals of the U.S. military.

Attending the May 10 renaming and dedication ceremony in Captain Cook were:

Shirley Kauhaihao and other members of Kauhaihao’s family.

• U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D–Hawai‘i).
• U.S. Postal Service Hawai‘i District Manager Eileen Veach.
• Captain Cook Post Office Manager of Operations Kialani Vasapolli-Carreira.
• Captain Cook Post Office Officer-in-Charge Tabitha Ogden.

Tokuda last June introduced the legislation renaming the Big Island post office as the “Army 1st Lt. John Ku‘ulei Kauhaihao Post Office Building” to honor Kauhaihao’s life and legacy. His widowed wife and much of his ‘ohana still call the Captain Cook and Hōnaunau communities home.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law Jan. 4. It was one of the last pieces of legislation he signed before leaving office.

“Although we can never repay Lt. Kauhaihao for bravely sacrificing his life so that his men — and all Americans — could continue to live in freedom, this honor will help ensure his courage, heroism and legacy will be remembered in the community where his family members still live for generations to come,” Tokuda said in the postal service release after the dedication ceremony.

The U.S. Postal Service is one of the largest employers of veterans.

“It’s because of this connection with our veteran employees that this dedication is so special for our office and teammates here,” said Veach.

This is the first post office in Hawai‘i designated since 2011.

Furthermore, it is the first post office building designated in the islands in honor of a Vietnam War veteran or Native Hawaiian.

“I would like to say how truly honored we are to be the first post office building on the Big Island of Hawai‘i to be dedicated in honor of a veteran,” Captain Cook Post Office Officer-in-Charge Tabitha Ogden said in the release that followed the May 10 dedication ceremony. “It is truly special for the Captain Cook Post Office to be renamed for [U.S.] Army 1st Lt. John Ku‘ulei Kauhaihao.”

News reporters Kelsey Walling and Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.