Princess Ruth Ke'elikolani: Hawaii's Beacon of Resilience

Jim

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Witness the unforgettable life story of Princess Ruth Ke'elikolani—a symbol of unwavering resilience and a staunch defender of Hawaiian cultural heritage. Her legacy continues to inspire contemporary generations.

In the annals of Hawaii's history, very few figures embody the courage, fortitude, and unwavering resistance to western encroachment like Princess Ruth Ke'elikolani. The princess, born in 1826, evinced an indomitable spirit, fierce patriotism, and steadfast adherence to native customs, which are elements essential to firmly comprehend her persona.

Princess Ruth Ke'elikolani, the regal daughter of High Chiefess Pauahi and High Chief Kekūanāoʻa, carried the bloodline of Nāhiʻenaʻena, a revered figure in Hawaiian history. Demarcations between rank and royalty were unclear in native Hawaii, but there was no ambiguity in understanding Ruth's regality and prestige.

The unfortunate reality of her mother's death just days after her birth and the demise of her elder brother, plunged Princess Ruth into the throes of uncertainty and distress early on. However, rather than capitulate, the tragedies shaped her resilience and solidified her commitment to upholding the cultural traditions of her ancestors.

Imbibing lessons from her aunt Kīnaʻu and other guidance figures, Princess Ruth grew into a prominent loyalist of native Hawaiian culture. During the tumultuous era of the monarchy's dissolution, Ruth served as a paragon of defiance, refusing to adopt Western ways and preserving the customs of her forebears.

Princess Ruth’s defiance shone most evident in her steadfast usage of the Hawaiian language. While the urge to assimilate to the English-speaking world prevailed among the Hawaiian nobility, Ruth chose the path less travelled. This choice certainly was not the path of convenience, but it was the path of integrity, illustrating Ruth's tenacious commitment to her heritage.

Ruth’s decision to construct the Hulihe‘e Palace in Kailua-Kona on the Island of Hawaii and the Keōua Hale in Honolulu further attest to her unwavering commitment towards preserving her native Hawaiian heritage. Both properties stood as magnificent architectural embodiments of her love for her people and culture.

Besides being a symbol of resilience, Princess Ruth also demonstrated a generous spirit. Regardless of the acclaim and wealth she amassed, humility remained her guiding star. Ruth believed in the traditional Hawaiian concept of 'kuleana', a term referring to one's responsibilities not just towards oneself, but also towards the community. Her commitment to 'kuleana' was evident in her will, wherein she left vast swathes of her lands to her cousin Bernice Pauahi Bishop to ensure the future education of Hawaiian children.

Her death in 1883 marked the end of an era. The towering figure of unwavering cultural resistance and the champion of her people’s rights, Princess Ruth Ke’elikōlani's legacy continues to inspire. In today's age, Princess Ruth's staunch defiance towards cultural assimilation serves as a potent reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our unique cultural identities and traditions. Princess Ruth Ke'elikōlani, a commanding presence and staunch defender of her homeland, remains a beacon of Hawaiian resilience.