Volunteer Spotlight: Mary & Kris Murali

At Imua Family Services, volunteering often becomes something more than just giving time—it becomes a shared experience, a way to connect, and sometimes, a journey taken together. That’s certainly the case with Mary and Kris Murali, a dynamic duo who have been volunteering side by side since the summer of 2024.

Mary and Kris first joined Imua as Docents at the Imua Discovery Garden during the Steve Tobin Exhibit, welcoming visitors and helping bring the space to life through conversation, curiosity, and connection. Since then, their volunteer footprint has grown in all directions. From gardening days at the Discovery Garden to lending a hand in the store, helping with mailings, holiday parties, fundraisers like Paddle Imua, gala setup, and countless special events, Mary and Kris have become familiar—and friendly—faces across Imua programs.

When asked which Imua core value resonates most with them, both immediately pointed to Cultural Generosity through in-person human experiences. For Mary and Kris, volunteering is as much about people as it is about service. They cherish the cultural diversity they encounter at Imua events, the opportunity to talk story with other volunteers, and most importantly, the personal interactions with children and families. After moving to Maui, getting involved in the community was deeply important to them—and Imua became a meaningful way to do just that.

Their story spans continents. Mary was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, while Kris grew up in Chennai, India. The two met at the University of Akron, where Kris had migrated to the U.S., and after marrying, they spent years living across the West Coast and Southwest. In 2016, they made Maui home, fulfilling a dream sparked decades earlier during a visit to Hawaiʻi in 1989.

Both Mary and Kris bring rich professional backgrounds shaped by service, curiosity, and care. Kris spent nearly 30 years at Intel in engineering and management roles where he earned a few patents and several achievement awards along the way. After moving to Maui he embarked on a second career as a high school teacher at Kihei Charter School, where he taught physics, engineering, and computer science. Among his accolades, teaching students remains his most cherished accomplishment.

Mary’s path led her from hospital nursing to a long and fulfilling career as a Nurse Practitioner in Occupational Medicine. After moving to Maui, she worked at the Bayer Farm in Kihei, caring for employees in an onsite occupational health clinic—an experience she holds especially close.

Today, in retirement, Mary and Kris continue to invest in what matters most to them: family, community, and connection. They are proud parents of two daughters, devoted aunt and uncle, enthusiastic grand-pet admirers, and active neighbors. When they’re not volunteering, you’ll find them at the gym, practicing yoga, cooking healthy meals, playing card games with friends, reading voraciously, or enjoying a trip to the library.

Together, Mary and Kris embody the spirit of Imua—showing us that giving back is even better when shared. We are so grateful for the energy, warmth, and heart they bring to our Imua ʻohana.