Tina’s Ports of Paradise founder laid to rest

VENTURA, Calif. - The namesake of Tina's Ports of Paradise was laid to rest in Ventura on Saturday.

Polynesian dancers from near and far took part in Tina Vainuku's service at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

Tina was born Kilistina Alofa Tuitama Vainuku in American Samoa. Her family moved to Kauai where she danced as a little girl with Elvis Presley while he was filming Blue Hawaii.

Her family later moved to Port Hueneme where her father was a Navy Seabee.

Vainuku became known as Auntie Tina to her students, both in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. She said she taught her students how to be professional performers.

Tina's Ports of Paradise performed in films, festivals, fairs and on cruises.

The group's longest run was weekend performances at the Hong Kong Inn in Ventura.

Vainuku also sang and sewed making all kinds of authentic outfits representing Polynesian Islands.

When Vainuku was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she held on to meet her first great-grandson during the holidays. She also has a great-granddaughter.

Her friends said she planned almost every detail of her celebration, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints on Gary Drive in Oxnard to the graveside ceremony in Ventura.

Some dancers called it her final production.

Before the ceremony, current and former students of all ages came together and learned or practiced the Kanaka Vai Vai dance.

Vainuku is survived by a large, loving family that includes her grandchildren who now perform in Las Vegas.

It's a legacy that promises to keep the Polynesian culture alive.

Tina Vainuku was 67 years old.