It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Gail Ann Lehua Gaison-Tyler.

Gail “Lehua” was born on September 9, 1963, in Kalihi, Hawaii to George and Winona Gaison. She was the youngest of five children and grew up playing softball, volleyball and basketball. Her ʻohana then relocated to Kāneʻohe where she graduated from Castle High School with the Class of 1981.

While working at Regal Travel, Lehua met Paul Antone. They were married in Honolulu and had two daughters, Alohikulani and Mahinalani. Although their marriage ended, they remained a close family. Later, while working at Hawaiian Tel, she met Tyrone Tyler. They married in Hilo and also had two daughters, Kahikilaulani and Nanikeakaokalani. Together for 41 years and married for 34, Tyrone was her beloved life partner.

Lehua dedicated 18 years of service to Kapiʻolani Community College before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2020. While in Nevada, she continued her career with the Department of Public Safety Nevada Taxi Authority.

“Hula is Life” was more than just a saying – it was the way Lehua lived. From a young age, she fell in love with hula, often dancing while her brother George played guitar. She devoted most of her life to hula, ʻoli, Hawaiian culture and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. She studied under Kumu Charles Kaʻupu, Kumu Kalani Akana and Kumu Kuʻualohanui Kaulia where she would ʻuniki as an ʻōlapa, hoʻopaʻa, and finally Kumu Hula. Her passion for learning was neverending as she continued her studies with Nā Lei Hoʻoheno Aloha. Through hula, Lehua traveled the world, sharing the beauty of the Hawaiian culture and performing alongside many renowned Hawaiian musicians.

Lehua often traveled to Japan, where she founded and led her hālau, Ka Pā Kui Lei Lehua. She took immense pride in passing on the gift of hula to her students, friends, daughters and grandchildren. No matter where life took her, Lehua’s heart always brought her home to Hawaiʻi, where she treasured every moment with her family-especially her pride and joy, her grandchildren.

Lehua is survived by her devoted husband Tyrone Tyler; her beautiful daughters, Alohikulani (Ikaika), Mahinalani, Kahikilaulani (Danny), and Nanikeakaokalani; her cherished grandchildren, Makamae, Nanea, Tysley, Milia and Jordan; her siblings, Blane (Donna), Gary (Naomi) and Winona “Sis” (Seminar); as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless hula brothers and sisters.

She was predeceased by her parents, George and Winona Gaison; and her brother, George Kevin Gaison.

A Celebration of Life is pending at a future date followed by a private farewell.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who has offered their love, prayers, support, and generosity during this difficult time. Your kindness has truly been a blessing.

Lehua will be greatly missed and her spirit will live on through those she held close to her.