Memorial service for ‘last’ princess, Abigail Kawānanakoa, open to public

The memorial service for Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa, who many consider Hawaii’s “last princess,” will be open to the public, Hawaiian Public Radio reports.

Kawānanakoa died at the age of 96 on December 11, 2022. Her death was announced at the front gate of Iolani Palace and several prominent Hawaiians paid tribute.

“With profound sadness, the Kawānanakoa family, the Hale O Na Alii O Hawaii and the Iolani Palace announces the passing of Her Royal Highness, Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa at 6:45 p.m. last night,” Hailama Farden of Hale O Na Alii O Hawaii said, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “We join each other in a period of mourning.”

The memorial service will be held on Jan. 22. According to Hawaiian Public Radio, a private procession will be held for her family to take her to the throne room of the Iolani Palace. The room will then be open to the public at 2:00 p.m., who must enter through the pedestrian gate King St. Gifts. Leis can be placed outside the Palace, but officials have asked that mourners not bring food or alcohol.

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