A formidable presence in 19th-century Hawai`i, Princess Ruth Ke`elikolani refused to speak English, practice Christianity, or leave the Hawaiian Islands. Though her life was darkened by the deaths of her children and her beloved first husband, she was a popular and strong force who resisted the kingdom’s drift toward annexation. Her personal appeals to the goddess Pele were said to have stopped a lava flow that threatened to destroy Hilo. During her lifetime, Ruth Ke`elikolani inherited and managed vast land holdings throughout the islands, which she bequeathed to Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Today, they form a substantial portion of the properties administered by Kamehameha Schools, a non-profit estate established to educate Hawaiian children.
The documentary includes exclusive footage of Hulihe`e Palace and other Big Island locations, and features 19th century chants referring to Ke`elikolani. The musical soundtrack highlights the compositions of William Pitt Leleohoku, Ke`elikolani’s adopted son.
In keeping with Ke`elikolani’s own devotion to Hawaiian language and culture, this half-hour documentary has two versions – English and Hawaiian. Both appear on this DVD.
