Princess Ruth Ke’elikōlani was born in 1826 as the daughter of Kalani Pauahi and Mataio Kekūanaōʻa, although his paternity has been questioned. She was hānai adopted by Queen Kaʻahumanu. Kalani Pauahi died giving birth to her daughter. The doubts about Princess Ruth Ke’elikōlani’s paternity gave concerns for the line of successions. Nevertheless, she was one of the last chiefesses of old Hawai’i and a well-respected member of the community.
Princess Ruth Ke’elikōlani by Kristin Zambucka is a small volume about one of the more unknown members of the Hawaiian royal family. The book is chockful of photos, but they are very strangely coloured in a purple-reddish tint. The design of the book is a little weird, with over-the-top chapter titles and font. It is nice to learn more about Princess Ruth Ke’elikōlani, but I could have done without the numerous mentions of her “massive” weight.
Overall, Princess Ruth Ke’elikōlani by Kristin Zambucka is an informative book, but it has its flaws. It is available now in the US and the UK.
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