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August 2, 2022, Carol Momi Bee Kahawaiola'a, 95, of Waimanalo, died in Kailua surrounded by family. Momi was a Hawaiian musician who entertained in Hawai'i and beyond for over 70 years. She started singing at age 12, with her sisters Henrietta and Esther, as the Bee Sisters. They sang on the Johnny Almeida radio show and were asked to record the song "Hukilau". In 1950, the Bee Sisters became the very first to record the now famous Hukilau song. Momi has had various gigs over the years including the Tavana Show, Chuck Machado's Lu'au Show, and the Maiki Aiu Lu'au Show. She has played with her Aunty, Genoa Keawe, for over 25 years and has held long-standing gigs at the Marriott Hotel & Duke's Waikiki for over 20 years. It was through music that she was able to share her aloha with others. Music was her makana makamae, her precious gift, to the world. She was preceded in death by daughter, Leona Mapuana Kahawaiola'a, husband, Antone Joseph Kahawaiola'a, Jr, and son, Francis Patrick Kahawaiola'a. She is survived by sister Esther Nakoa, daughters Toni Momi Hopkins, and Christmas Napua Kahawaiola'a, grandchildren, Jeremy "Kama" (Chriss) Hopkins, Summer "Kau'i" (Marcus "Kala'i") Ontai, and Kamaha'o (Kawehi) Hopkins, 10 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation: 8:30-10:00am, Saturday, September 10th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Waimanalo Chapel: 41-972 'Olu'olu St. Service to follow. Private Burial. Aloha attire.
Arrangements Provided By:
Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary
