Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abigail Kawānanakoa
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Kawānanakoa in 2012
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Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa
April 23, 1926 Honolulu, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii
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| Died | December 11, 2022 (aged 96) Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
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Veronica Gail Worth
(m. 2017) |
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| Family | Kawānanakoa |
Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa (April 23, 1926 – December 11, 2022) was a very important person in Hawaii. She was often called "Princess Abigail Kawānanakoa" or "Kekau." She was a descendant of the Hawaiian royal family, specifically from the House of Kawānanakoa. She was also known for her love of horses and for giving money to good causes (philanthropy), especially those that helped preserve Hawaiian culture and arts.
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Her Early Life and Family
Abigail Kawānanakoa was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1926. She was the only child of Lydia Liliuokalani Kawānanakoa and William Jeremiah Ellerbrock. Abigail went to several schools, including Punahou School in Honolulu and high school in California. She also studied at the University of Hawaii.
Her Royal Connection
The last two rulers of the Hawaiian Kingdom, King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, did not have children. They named family members as their heirs.
When Abigail was six years old, her grandmother, Princess Abigail Campbell Kawānanakoa, adopted her. This was done in a special Hawaiian tradition called hānai. This adoption meant that Abigail would be a direct heir if the Hawaiian Kingdom were ever restored. Her grandfather, Prince David Kawānanakoa, was also adopted by King Kalākaua. This strong family connection made Abigail a key member of the Hawaiian royal family.
Her Love for Horses
Kawānanakoa was an excellent horse rider. She owned ranches in Hawaii, California, and Washington State. She was a well-known breeder of quarter horses. Her horses won many important races, including the All American Futurity in 1993 and the Los Alamitos Million Futurity in 1995. She even retired one of her winning horses, A Classic Dash, to live at her ranch. Because of her support for horse medicine programs, she received an honorary degree from Colorado State University in 2016.
Protecting Hawaiian Culture
Abigail Kawānanakoa cared deeply about Hawaiian culture. She was the president of the Friends of ʻIolani Palace for many years. This palace was built by her adopted great-granduncle, King David Kalākaua. She worked hard to help restore and preserve 'Iolani Palace.
She also supported other important Hawaiian causes. For example, she helped pay for the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, which celebrates Hawaiian hula and culture. She also supported the Thirty Meter Telescope protests, which aimed to protect Mauna Kea, a sacred mountain in Hawaii.
Abigail inherited a large amount of money from her great-grandfather, James Campbell, who was a successful businessman. This wealth allowed her to support many of these important cultural efforts.
In 2013, she asked to be buried in a new crypt at the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii. This is a special burial place for Hawaiian royalty. Her request was approved, but it caused some discussion within the Hawaiian community.
Her Later Life
In 2017, Abigail Kawānanakoa married Veronica Gail Worth in Honolulu. Later that year, she had a medical episode. She made some changes to her legal and financial affairs after this.
Abigail Kawānanakoa passed away on December 11, 2022, at the age of 96. Her death was announced in the Hawaiian language at ʻIolani Palace. Governor Josh Green ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff to honor her.
Images for kids
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Kawānanakoa in 2012
