Born and raised in Maui she comes from a family of real estate. Her late father, Masaru Yokouchi, was a Realtor® and a pioneer in the business and this is where she got her start. Although she holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Hawaii, Manoa she followed the family tradition of real estate and has been involved in the business for over 40 years.
She was first licensed in 1979 and worked with her father, at Valley Isle Realty for many years. Then in 1988 she received her Broker’s license and ran her father’s Kihei office. Then in 1997, she decided to spread her wings and started her own company, Aina Maui Properties with her father’s blessing. It started in Kihei with nine agents and then grew to over 50.
In an ever-changing business of real estate joining a nationally known brand was important and necessary. Only then could the innovative technology, unique set of tools, and brand name could be attained for her and her clients. Joining Compass not only met these criteria but also gave her the support and camaraderie she looked for in a company. Today, her local heart and soul along with the newest tools and technology still makes the importance of the client first her main mantra.
Besides real estate, she has developed a sense of community from her late father. Giving back to the community in one way or the other is very important whether it be in monies or in time. Presently she sits on the non-profit boards of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Maui and Imua Family Services. Her prior involvements include Seabury Hall, Maui Academy of Performing Arts, Maui Humane Society, SPCA, and Maui Memorial Foundation, served as Chair of the American Heart Walk for two years. It is her belief that “If the home is where your heart is then the community is where you will find my soul”.
Personally:
Married to Gene Awakuni, retired Chancellor UH West Oahu
Son: Jamieson Suriyakam, 2 grandsons
4 dogs: Baxter, Cooper, Dodger, and Sophie
Enjoys: Traveling, reading, playing with grandsons and her dogs