Princess Ruth Ke'elikōlani

The Hulihe‘e Palace features a striking exterior of lava rock coated in white lime plaster, a material that contrasts sharply against the dark volcanic stone. Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani chose this seaside location for her home, preferring the traditional lifestyle of her ancestors over the modern customs favored by others in the royal family. She famously lived in a tent on the palace grounds, insisting that the stone structure was too confining for her spirit, while she used the rooms primarily for guests.