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

She was known for her devout committment to Christianity and exemplified bravery and strength.  As warfare and diseases plagued the ʻāina, she convinced her people to turn away from Pele, one of the most feared Hawaiian gods. She knew she had to break Pele's spell over them. 

In December of 1824, Kapiʻolani journeyed from Kona to defy Pele outright and openly. Her family, friends, and attendants all begged her to stop and declared to her people "If I am destroyed by Pele, you may worship her. If I am not, you must turn to the only true God." She walked to the craters edge and ate ʻōhelo berries (sacred to Pele). To emphasize her defiance she threw stones into the crater shouting "I do not fear Pele..." She survived and word spread amongst the people and to other Christians of her courageous act to show her love for Christianity. 

On a personal note in March 1841, Kapi'olani again showed her bravery and strength when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She needed to have her whole right breast removed and completed the operation WITHOUT any anesthetic.Witnesses state this courageous woman bore the entire ordeal with unbelievable dignity. Due to complications of the surgery, Chiefess Kapi'olani Nui died on May 5, 1841.