Hō'ike 2020 honors Princess Ruth Ke'elikōlani

The poster for this year's Hōʻike, featuring artwork created by juniors Bethany Correia and Ioane Boshard, working with Herb Mahelona for the typography.

Feb. 18, 2020

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

This year's Hōʻike "Keʻelikōlani: Moku Aʻe Ka Pawa" honors Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani. Hōʻike 2020 takes place on March 12 and 13 at 6 p.m. in Koaiʻa Gymnasium.

The 17th annual Hōʻike will be the first hula drama produced by our high school, breaking new ground to honor a woman of great significance to the moʻokūʻauhau of Kamehameha Schools. Moku Aʻe Ka Pawa—the pre-dawn darkness is breaking—references the reawakening of Hawaiian consciousness, as we know Keʻelikōlani was never disconnected from her kānaka identity. Through hula, mele, art, and pāleoleo (rap), a vibrant moʻolelo will be shared celebrating the life, lessons, and connections of Keʻelikōlani.

Want to get a behind the scenes look at this year’s production? Follow @mokuaekapawa on Instagram to see some of the featured mele, manaʻo, and nā haumāna, kumu a me limahana helping to bring this special production to life.

Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa Keʻelikōlani was born on February 9, 1826. Keʻelikōlani, 5 years senior to her first-cousin Pauahi, would from the time of infancy remain as loyal and close as sisters are to be. Their life-long closeness and aloha for one another will eventually inspire the vision that made possible the founding of Kamehameha Schools, forever honoring their shared legacy.

Princess Ruth was an anchor supporter for the safe-keeping and perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions, culture, lifestyle, and language. Although very well-educated and able to speak and understand English, Keʻelikōlani refused to do so and conducted all business and correspondence in her mother tongue, ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

A moʻolelo of this strong, independent and formidable force is one you will not want to miss. Hōʻike is, once again, an all high school production. From the performers to the choir to the band to the costuming, decor and stage management kākoʻo behind-the-scenes, the haumāna and kumu of our Kula Kiʻekiʻe make this production happen.

"The unifying work of the high school surrounding the preparation of this year’s Hō‘ike epitomizes the pride and aloha of the high school that embraces the legacy and mission set forth by our Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop," shares kula kiʻekiʻe poʻo kumu Dr. Lehua Veincent. "E hele mai, e kipa mai, a e nanea! We look forward to seeing you at this year’s hō‘ike!"

Tickets are now available for purchase. $8 presale general admission, $5 for keiki (ages 12 and under) or a VIP package for $20 that includes early entrance, reserved seating, a special gift, and a souvenir photo. Tickets may be purchased online via Pauahi.org through March 2, in-person, after-school starting on 2/24 at the High School office from 2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on school days until March 11, or at the door for $10 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. on the night of the performance. There will also be a special ticket booth at Hoʻolauleʻa from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, 2/22.

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Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa Keʻelikōlani was born on February 9, 1826. This year's Hōʻike will honor her moʻolelo and significant contributions she has made.