Molokai Woman Celebrates 100th Birthday

Ana Lintao, who emigrated from the Philippines to Molokai in 1973, marks a century of life surrounded by family and friends.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:43am

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Ana Lintao, a 100-year-old woman who emigrated from the Philippines to Molokai in 1973, recently celebrated her milestone birthday with family and friends. Lintao, who now lives with her daughter on Oahu, is known for her healthy habits like daily exercise, green tea with sugar, and a banana with every meal. Two of Lintao's longtime friends from Molokai flew over to join the celebration, which her granddaughter described as a "beautiful and rare occasion."

Why it matters

Lintao's story highlights the enduring connections and community ties that can develop when someone immigrates to a new place and puts down roots. Despite moving to Maui and then Oahu in her later years, Molokai remained in Lintao's heart, and she maintained friendships from the island. Her centenarian milestone also serves as an inspiring example of longevity and the value of healthy habits.

The details

Lintao emigrated from the Philippines to Molokai in 1973 with her husband and their two young daughters. She worked in the island's pineapple and corn fields. Over the years, her family grew, and she now has six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Lintao moved to Maui to live with her daughter Ofelia after her husband passed away in the early 1990s. About a year ago, Lintao and Ofelia temporarily relocated to Oahu to help Lintao's granddaughter Jackie Ruiz with her four young sons. Despite her declining vision, the 100-year-old Lintao remains active, walking laps around the house twice a day.

  • Lintao emigrated from the Philippines to Molokai in 1973.
  • Lintao's husband passed away in the early 1990s, and she moved to Maui to live with her daughter.
  • About a year ago, Lintao and her daughter temporarily moved to Oahu to help Lintao's granddaughter.
  • Lintao celebrated her 100th birthday on January 22, 2026.

The players

Ana Lintao

A 100-year-old woman who emigrated from the Philippines to Molokai in 1973 and is now living with her daughter on Oahu.

Jackie Ruiz

Lintao's granddaughter, who lives on Oahu with her four young sons.

Ofelia

Lintao's daughter, who lives on Maui and temporarily moved to Oahu with Lintao about a year ago.

Rose

Lintao's other daughter, who came with the family from the Philippines to Molokai in 1973.

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What they’re saying

“Pray every day, green tea with three scoops of sugar and soda crackers for breakfast, a banana with every meal, Wheel of Fortune, walk laps around the house, smile often, occasional yardwork, and always ask where everyone is”

— Jackie Ruiz, Lintao's granddaughter

“She was happy to see them. Her vision is a little bad, so it took her a while to realize who they were”

— Jackie Ruiz, Lintao's granddaughter

“It's something that I've prayed for ever since I was younger, 'Please bless my grandma to live to 100,' and it's crazy that she made it this far, and so next prayer is until 105”

— Jackie Ruiz, Lintao's granddaughter

The takeaway

Lintao's centenarian milestone is a testament to the enduring power of community ties and the value of maintaining healthy habits. Despite moving away from Molokai in her later years, the island remained in her heart, and she was able to reconnect with longtime friends there to celebrate her 100th birthday. Her story serves as an inspiring example of longevity and the importance of nurturing relationships and embracing a lifestyle of wellness.