He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother: The Kinikini Cousins

Few people know that Dan and Mayone's love story is also an immigration story...

and a story about the meaning of family, 

and a story of brotherly love and sacrifice. 

It's a perfect example of brother helping brother in a time of need through selfless service and charity. It's a story of goodness inspiring goodness, 

of embracing a stranger, 

of living the best of the Tongan culture, 

and living the essence of the gospel of Christ.

Cousin Danny

Taniela Kinikini is Muli's first cousin. Their fathers Muli and Vaiokema are brothers. 

Taniela left Tonga in 1961 to attend Church College of Hawaii. A year later he brought his wife "Esita" (meaning Esther) and infant son to join him.  "Danny and Esther" lived in Honolulu in the Summer of 1965 where Danny had found work with the Spencecliff Corporation which operated a chain of popular restaurants catering to locals and tourists. Danny worked his way up in the company and was, by that time, managing restaurant properties. Danny and Esther were known to always have extended family members living with them as they brought their families, one by one, to America.

Cousin "Danny" pictured during his days employed with Spencecliff Corporation, Hawaii 1960's.

When Danny knew that his younger cousin Muli (who was  now going by the name of Taniela) had found a girl he wanted to marry, he didn't hesitate. He and his wife Esita opened their arms and their hearts to Muli and Mayone, two young people in love, and encouraged them to not be thwarted, but to move forward with their plans to unite themselves in marriage in spite of being far away from home and lacking support and understanding from their parents and families. 

Danny and Esita, with four young children and a baby on the way, threw themselves into plans for making a dream wedding come true for a blond, Utah girl they didn't know... and her island sweetheart. 

Danny and Esita Kinikini with young sons Danstar and Sam. Early 1960's.

Danny and Esita left Hawaii in 1969 and spent a number of years in California. Then in 1975 a strong feeling  inspired them to move to a small town in Idaho where they finished raising their family of 6 children and where Danny worked for many years as a truck driver. As before, they attracted extended family . In spite of suffering a stroke in his 40's, Danny rehabilitated himself, returned to work and later four missions with his wife Esita. Today, 40 years later, Danny and Esita still live in Nampa, Idaho with several of their children near by and lots of grandchildren and now great-grand children who visit frequently. 

Esita and Danny have been able to travel and enjoy visiting family and friends in many places. 

Danny returns to 'Uiha, his ancestral island, after more than 50 years.

Danny and Esita, 50 years later.

Danny and Esita's grown children today.

Cousin Tolo

Cousin Tolo, was a good friend and brother to Muli while at Liahona. An excellent dancer and musician, Tolo was able to make money performing for visitors at the 'boat shows' and would share with Muli and others his cash earnings.

When they got to Hawaii there was still sharing and caring between brothers. Tolo had his wife Manu and several mouths to feed back home in Tonga during the summer of 1965 yet, he contributed his time and money to the wedding preparations for Muli and Mayone.
Mayone remembers that it was Tolo who came and paid for her wedding dress from the little shop on Beretania Street.
Cousin Tolo and his wife Manu has both passed on but their posterity has grown!

Cousin Fehi

Fehi and her brothers were leading the way of immigration for the Kinikini family. Fehi had married and was due to give birth to her first child during the Summer of 1965. Young and beautiful, Fehi smiles warmly in this picture surrounded by children at Muli and Mayone's wedding party.

With Fehi are two flower girls and various young guests at Dan and Mayone's wedding luau.
Three boys (left and center) dressed alike are Danny and Esita's boys Danstar, Sam, and Moses.
Baby in arms (on left) in white is Baby 'Ofa 

 The 1960's hit "He ain't Heavy" by The Hollies reminds us that it's a long, long road and that while we're on our way there, concern and sharing is part of the journey that brings joy. Our family feels a deep gratitude to our Kinikini cousins for helping Mom and Dad get such a positive start on their life together. Truly, these cousins have exemplified the meaning of FAMILY and of the word BROTHER. 

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

The Hollies, 1969

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go
His welfare is my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother...