The document summarizes the history and legends of Hilo, Hawaii. It explains that Hilo got its name from the kī plant that grew near Kaipalaoa. It describes a massive 1880 lava flow from Mauna Loa that threatened the town of Hilo. It also discusses Princess Ruth Ke'elikōlani, who made offerings to Pele when she came to Hilo and adhered to traditional Hawaiian ways. It concludes by detailing the establishment of UH Hilo's College of Hawaiian Language, named in honor of Ke'elikōlani, which offers various undergraduate and graduate programs focused on Hawaiian language and culture.