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Abigail Kawānanakoa (1926–2022), Hawaii’s “last princess”

by Linnea Crowther

Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa was an descendent of Hawaii’s royal family who was called the last Hawaiian princess.

Heiress and philanthropist

Kawānanakoa was the granddaughter of a Hawaiian prince and princess. She was a descendent of William Campbell, an Irish businessman and one of Hawaii’s largest landowners. As the heir to Campbell’s fortune, Kawānanakoa was a wealthy woman whose philanthropy included support of Colorado State University’s veterinary program and the restoration of Hawaii’s ‘Iolani Palace. She was an equestrian who bred quarter horses for racing, becoming a respected owner and a leading breeder. Kawānanakoa was an advocate for native Hawaiian culture, working toward a revival of the Hawaiian language and funding education for local children. Though she was not officially royalty, Hawaii’s monarchy having been overthrown in 1893, Kawānanakoa was often referred to with the honorary title of Princess.

Tributes to Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa

Full obituary: Honolulu Star Advertiser

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