Occupation: Former maid for the Blackthornes

Children: Kelly Kahoano (with Matthew Wheland)

Grandchildren: R.J. Blackthorne

Relationships: Matthew Wheland

Appearances: Seasons 1-Current; The Blackthornes (Seasons 1-6)

Who’d Play Her: Amy Hill

The Maid Who Became Family: Leilani was a warm, strong-willed Hawaiian woman who raised her daughter, Kelly, largely on her own. Years earlier in Honolulu, she had shared a brief encounter with Marine Matthew Wheland while he was stationed in Hawaii. The relationship did not last, but Leilani later gave birth to Kelly and built a life centered around protecting and providing for her daughter.

Leilani eventually moved to Los Angeles and became the longtime housekeeper for the Blackthorne family. Over the years, she witnessed countless romances, scandals, tragedies, and family upheavals while becoming far more than an employee. Her loyalty, humor, blunt opinions, and maternal presence made her a trusted part of the household and a familiar figure to several generations of Blackthornes.

Her connection to the family deepened when Kelly became involved with Stormy Blackthorne. Although the relationship brought considerable conflict, it also gave Leilani a grandson, R.J. She remained fiercely protective of both Kelly and R.J., particularly after the truth emerged that Alex Reynolds had helped conceal the child’s identity for months.

Now retired from the Blackthornes’ employ, Leilani lives a quieter life with Kelly while remaining closely connected to the family she once served. She continues offering advice, preparing meals, and speaking her mind whenever she believes the people around her are making a mistake.

Leilani was surprised when Phoebe Wheland arrived and revealed that she was Kelly’s previously unknown half-sister. She had never known that Matthew later built another family, but welcomed Phoebe into her home as Kelly attempted to understand this unexpected new connection to their past.