HONOLULU (KHON2) — One of the last remaining patients of Kalaupapa and the driving force behind reopening tours to the historic peninsula has passed away.
Meli Watanuki helped reestablish commercial visits to the remote settlement after a years-long closure due to COVID.
Watanuki founded Kalaupapa Saints Tours in 2025 and died in May 2026 at the age of 91. Those in attendance for her services in Kalawao County on Wednesday, June 3 said her spirit lives on…