This week, the Kamehameha Schools ‘ohana celebrates the birth of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani, who bequeathed the majority of her aliʻi lands to her cousin Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop upon her passing. Ke‘elikōlani’s precious gift helped make Pauahi’s dream of creating Kamehameha Schools a reality.

Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa Ke‘elikōlani was born on February 9, 1826 in Honolulu. Her mother, Kalani Pauahi, was the daughter of Pauli Kaʻōleiokū, the first son of Kamehameha I. Her father, Mataio Kekūanāoʻa, was an aliʻi nui of Oʻahu.

Kalani Pauahi died during childbirth and Keʻelikōlani was raised by Queen Kaʻahumanu. Ke‘elikōlani attended the Chiefs’ Children’s School as did many of the high-ranking aliʻi of the time.

There, she was groomed to serve the government and her people in different capacities and positions in her adulthood. Keʻelikōlani knew English and the tenets of Christianity, but held fast to traditional ways. She refused to speak English and those doing business with her were required to speak Hawaiian or use an interpreter.

In August, 1881, lava from an ongoing eruption on Maunaloa was nearing the town of Hilo. Reports placed the leading edge of the lava at a half mile from town. Ke‘elikōlani was asked to intercede. She went to the flow and gave offerings and ho‘okupu (tribute) to Pele and camped right in front of the flow. It stopped just short of town.

As the great-granddaughter of Kamehameha I, Ke‘elikōlani inherited much of the landholdings of the Kamehameha family. Upon her passing on May 24, 1883, the majority of her estate which included more than 350,000 acres of aliʻi land was bequeathed to her cousin, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. These lands later became part of the holdings of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate, from which in turn came Kamehameha Schools.

Hauʻoli lā hānau e Keʻelikōlani ē! Happy birthday Keʻelikōlani!

Queen Kaʻahumanu, hānai mother of Keʻelikōlani, was Kuhina Nui (Regent) of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi from 1819 to 1832.

Kamehameha Schools founder Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop inherited over 350,000 acres of aliʻi land from her cousin Ruth.

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