Early Visitors Bring Coveted Supplies: For Better or Worse

George Vancouver stopped in Hawaiʻi three times beginning in 1792, after his first trip with Captain Cook in1778.  He commanded a survey ship, Discovery (named in honor of the ship on Cook’s voyage) on an expedition charged with exploring the Pacific region, where logs show attention to instrument course corrections provided in earlier records. With conviction he firmly dispelled the myth of a Northwest Passage which search led Cook off course, but to come upon the Hawaiian archipelago.

He became a respected friend and advisor of Kamehameha and Kaumualiʻi, He met  the latter, first as a youth, and later as a ruler; advising both to avoid war. He traded throughout the islands introducing as royal gifts, seeds for new fruits, vegetables and livestock; such as horses, cows, goats ducks, and geese.  There was definitely a market for new foreign products as they became useful and a part of daily life. However, Vancouver would not trade munitions, saying King George of England would not allow it.

He notes in 1792;  the village of Whymea is reduced at least two-thirds of its size, since the years 1778 and 1779.  All islands had noticeably fewer chiefs and warriors, rather, …wars and internal commotions had been the cause of this devastation.

Rumors of Kiani capturing the American ship, Fair American, killing all but one of its crew crew proved true: though Kamakahelei denied the involvement of her husband, Kaʻeo.

While it was noted that on Kauaʻi  the strict prostration kapu for Prince Kaumualiʻi and his Chiefess mother was no longer observed;  extra caution was exercised with a hostage officer from the ship left on shore, and an armed guard of 30 warriors attended whenever a royal visit occurred onboard.

War on Kauaʻi was anticipated, but not soon, as fighting was currently happening on Maui.

Vancouver acquired the services of Kauaʻi native, Tareehooa/Kalehua,  who preferred the name Jack and became very useful proclaiming that we were not traders, such as they had been accustomed to fear; but that we were belonging to King George, and were all mighty warriors“.  As such, they… were provided two excellent houses to be tabooed for service; …and for the guard, consisting of a sergeant and six marines…When a shore boat capsized with several muskets other items  went overboard, natives retrieved  and returned the goods in a display of friendship and humility.

The young Prince was fascinated and delighted by the ship”s “new technology”, asking thoughtful questions and trying things out.  Our young friend was anxiously waiting, with a large crowd of his countrymen, in expectation of something new, as soon as it became dark I ordered some sky and water rockets to be displayed. Nomateehetee(Kamakahelei) and Too, who, with several of the natives observed the rockets with infinite surprise and admiration, as did the concourse of people assembled on shore; which was announced to us by their repeated bursts of acclamation, distinctly heard, though at the distance of nearly two miles.

Kaumualiʻi, thereafter took the name George, after three great men so named: an English King, American President, and his new friend Captain George Vancouver. He insisted that all: royals, servants and friends address him as such.

To read  more of  Vancouverʻs journal: https://whalesite.org/sandwichislands/1798%20-%20Vancouver%20-%20Voyage%20of%20Discovery%20v1.htm#Page_151

Lopaka was the  first Hawaiian owned cannon, transported by warriors up steep mountains, with devasting effects on Mauʻi at the battle of Kepaniwai.

Battle of Kepaniwai, Maui

Dr. Mills shares Cherished Moments  during Kaumualiʻi reign with the King owning  his own fleet for transportation and commerce.

_________________________________________________________________