Born in Hilo, Chiefess Kapiʻolani Nui—whose name means Heavenly Arch—was the daughter of Kekikipaʻa and Keawemaʻuhili, the half-brother of Kalaniʻōpuʻu and a high-ranking chief of Hilo of the Keawe line. Kapiʻolani later married Naʻihe of Kona, who became the national orator for both Liholiho (Kamehameha II) and Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III).

She was widely known for her deep commitment to Christianity and for exemplifying extraordinary bravery and strength. During a time when warfare and disease devastated the ʻāina, Kapiʻolani challenged the long-held fear of Pele, one of the most powerful and revered Hawaiian deities. Believing her people were bound by fear, she resolved to break Pele’s hold over them.

In December 1824, Kapiʻolani undertook a courageous journey from Kona to openly defy Pele. Despite pleas from her family, friends, and attendants to turn back, she declared to her people: “If I am destroyed by Pele, you may worship her. If I am not, you must turn to the one true God.” Upon reaching the edge of the crater, she ate ʻōhelo berries—sacred to Pele—and cast stones into the crater, proclaiming, “I do not fear Pele.” She survived, and news of her fearless act spread rapidly among the people and Christian communities alike, becoming a powerful testament to her faith and resolve.

On a deeply personal note, Kapiʻolani once again demonstrated remarkable courage in March 1841 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent the removal of her entire right breast without anesthesia. Witnesses recorded that she endured the procedure with extraordinary dignity and composure. Due to complications from the surgery, Chiefess Kapiʻolani Nui passed away on May 5, 1841.