There was a major eruption from Mauna Loa that erupted in November 1880 and continued for several months. By March, 1881, the lava flowed northeast toward Hilo threatening the entire city. The lava inched its way closer and closer to the city. Local Christian churches held special services to pray for the volcano to stop, but to no avail. Many of the people of Hilo evacuated to Hāmakua and Kona.
A small group of Native Hawaiian women who maintained the old Hawaiian religion from the island of Hawai’i went to O’ahu and approached Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani, The Princess was staying on O’ahu at the time due to her overseeing the construction of her private home, Keoua Hale and a lingering illness.
The Princess agreed to do something. She would travel immediately to Hilo and and asked to be taken near the edge of the lava flow with four days’ food supply, water for her to drink and some offerings for Pele including silk, pigeons, gin, brandy, and pigs. Her entourage brought her near the edge of the lava flow and built a pili grass house for her to stay in.
The princess asked to be left alone, but some of her retainers remained on a nearby hill. They did not see the Princess for an entire day. The same on the following day. They feared for their Princess’ life while the slowly lava flow advanced to within twenty feet of the hut. The Princess began the rituals of welcoming Pele and making the appropriate offerings to her by giving her the essence. She also offered herself if Pele would spare Hilo.
By the next morning, on the fourth day, all could see that the lava flow stopped four feet from where the princess slept. Pele had accepted the offerings and stopped the lava flow.
As the Princess went down from the mountain to Hilo, throngs of people gathered to greet and thank the Princess.
King Kalākaua then arrived a day later and held a thanksgiving to Pele and to honor Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani as well as giving out donations and construction materials to the victims of the lava flow.
(Picture: View of the lava flow that almost destroyed Hilo. Note the artists.)
Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp 