Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lect the chief's annual tribute, which set off celebrations, sexual freedom and
games.
Cook's welcome in Kealakekua Bay was spectacular: over 1000 canoes surroun-
ded his ships and 9000 people hailed him from shore. Once landed, Cook was
treated with supreme deference - feted as any ruling chief would be, with huge cel-
ebrations and overwhelming offerings. The Hawaiians also bartered for goods -
particularly for metals, which they'd never seen before. Though Cook tried to keep
his sailors from fraternizing with Hawaiian women, he failed utterly and ultimately
gave up: Hawaiian women flocked to the boats, having sex freely and frequently in
exchange for nails.
On February 4, restocked and ready to go, Cook departed Kealakekua Bay. But
only a short way north he encountered a huge storm, and theResolutionbroke a
foremast. Unable to continue, Cook returned to the safety of Kealakekua Bay on
February 11.
This time, no canoes rowed out in greeting. Chief Kalaniopuʻu instead seemed to
indicate Cook had worn out his welcome. For one, captain and crew had already
depleted the Hawaiians supplies of food, plus the makahiki season had ended; the
party was over.
As Hawaiian generosity decreased, petty thefts increased; insults and suspicion
replaced politeness on both sides. After a rowboat was stolen, Cook ordered a
blockade of Kealakekua Bay and took chief Kalaniopuʻu hostage until the boat was
returned.
Cook convinced Kalaniopuʻu to come to theResolutionto resolve their disputes.
But as they walked to shore, Kalaniopuʻu learned that sailors had killed a lower
chief attempting to exit the bay in his canoe. At this, Kalaniopuʻu apparently sat
and refused to continue, and a large angry crowd gathered.
Thinking to frighten the Hawaiians, Cook fired his pistol, killing one of the chief's
bodyguards. Incensed, the Hawaiians attacked. In the deadly melee, Captain Cook
was stabbed with a dagger and clubbed to death.
Cook's death stunned both sides and ended the battle. In the days afterward, the
Hawaiians took Cook's body and dismembered it in the custom reserved for high
chiefs. The Englishmen demanded Cook's body back, and in a spasm of gruesome
violence torched homes and slaughtered Hawaiians - women and children in-
cluded. Eventually the Hawaiians returned some bits and pieces - a partial skull,
hands and feet - which the Englishmen buried at sea, as per naval tradition.
However, the Hawaiians kept the bones that held the most mana (spiritual es-
sence), such as his femurs.
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