April 4, 1820 – At 10 o’clock this morning, 163 days from Boston, we came to anchor in Kirooah Bay, about 1 mile from the palace. Crymokoo, who still seems friendly to our cause, was soon sent for by Reehoreeho and was soon followed by Brothers Bingham and Thurston, Capt. Blanchard and Thomas Hopoo, to lay before his majesty the plan of our enterprise. Found him bathing in the sea with his mother and his first wife, landed, visited John Adams, a native chief who has acquired something of the English language and manners, also John Young who has long resided here and is now acting secretary to the King. Then waited on the King with the most important message that could be sent to any earthly potentate. Read the letter of Dr. Worcester to Tamh. and the letter of Capt. Reynolds to Tamh. and Reehoreeho, and had them interpreted by Mr. Young and Thos. H. and through them made known to his majesty the views of the American Board and the wishes of the Mission family. He seemed pleased with the object laid before him, but far from being in haste to give an answer. All indeed, both king and chiefs, honorable women and common people, who spoke on the subject expressed their approbation the general term “Miti”, i.e., “it is good”. (Thaddeus Journal)

at 10 a.m. Tuesday came to anchorage there (Kailua). The Captain and some of the passengers then went on shore and visited the King, ‘a great number of natives, men and women,” meanwhile visiting the brig. During the next day she continued to lie there’ waiting the result of the grand council, which was sitting, consisting of the King and chiefs, respecting the mission.’ ‘They are undecided, but appear favorably disposed towards them.’ The chief, if not only, objection is said to have originated with an Englishman, who, formerly detained against his will at the Islands, had married a woman of rank, acted as governor of Hawaii, and finally became attached to his new life. The native chiefs and other subjects were evidently peaceable and fairly disposed, although not unnaturally inclined to be politic. The population, after passing through war and religious change, was in a quieted, receptive condition. (James Hunnewell)

April 4th. This morning, ten o’clock, having been 163 days on the bosom of the great deep, we anchored in the bay of Korooah, near the residence of Keehoreeho the king. Bless the Lord, O, our souls, for all his tender mercies towards us. My dear husband, with brother Thurston and Thomas, has gone on shore as heralds of the Prince of Peace and King of Kings, to have an interview, and transact business for their Master, with this heathen Ruler. How important the moment! The great Head of the Church give his servants wisdom, a sound understanding, and guide them in every step. The heart of this heathen king is in his holy hand and He can turn it as He will. O, I think, I do rest on this firm ground, that He will accomplish his blessed purposes and do all his pleasure. (Sybil Bingham)

4th. Arrived this morning in Kiarooah (Kailua) bay, in full view of the kings seat. Brother B. & T. have gone on shore with the embassy of peace and mercy to a people without law and without religion. It is an important moment with us. The grand council are to convene this evening to consider whether to permit us to land, or send us away. May the Spirit of God dispose their hearts to receive us and the word of life at our hands. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

April 4. This morning anchored. The Chief, the two Queens, Captain B and several of the Brethren, have gone on shore to visit the King. This is with us, an important & eventful period. Two white men residing with the King have been on board; it is expected they came as spies. We have reason to fear they will endeavor to influence the King against us. But we have one consolation, Zion’s King reigneth. The hearts of all men are in his hands & he can turn them as he pleases.
I will now attempt to give you some particulars, respecting the dress, manner of eating etc. of the natives. The men, go almost naked. The usual dress of the women, is a tapper. It is a cloth wrapped round their body, and reaching halfway to their feet. Some wear ten thicknesses wrapped twice around them, others not so many. They have clothes; but seldom wear them, for they consider them a burden. They wear a string of beads round their necks and a wreath of feathers in the head. They usually wear their hair long on the back part of the head, cutting the rest short.
Their manner of eating is something singular. They spread a mat on the floor, then, seat themselves on it in a circle & eat with their fingers. They have three kinds of poe, which is made of tarrow. One is about as thick as starch which we use on muslin, and something resembles it. This is eaten with one finger. They get their finger in and turn it round to make it stick to it, then put it in their mouth and suck it off. When one has dipped in his fingers, the dish is passed to the next & so goes round. The second kind which is thinner, is eaten in the same manner except with two fingers. The third which is still thinner with three. With this they eat fish, hogs and dogs.
As to their manners, I believe it would be almost impossible to give you a just idea of them. As to any sense of shame or modesty, they appear to have but little more than the brutes. They are a very indolent people. They lie most of the time on their mats and sleet, or lounge around in idleness. They have Waiters to attend upon them, brush off the flies, a scratch their backs, etc. There fly bushes are very elegant, being made of feathers stripped from the quill, with a mahogany or whale bone handle.
4 o’clock. The brethren have returned with favourable intelligence, but no decisive answer respecting are having an establishment here. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

4. – We have now anchored for the first time since we embarked. Brother B & T went on shore & conversed with the king on the subject of our introducing the Gospel. He appeared pleased but his power is so limited that he could give us no decisive answer about landing. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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Kalanimōku and Kalakua ride on the Thaddeus from Kawaihae to Kailua-Kona. Kalakua asks the missionary wife to make her a dress like theirs. It is the sabbath, so they decline, but said they would make it the next day. The Thaddeus is offshore of Kailua-Kona at 8 pm.

April 3, 1820 – First Monday in April. Approaching Kirooah Bay, in sight of the King’s residence. Expecting an interview with him tomorrow, so lift up our petitions in concert with thousands of the friends of Zion, rejoicing in the hope that he who has begun a good work here will carry it on to perfection. (Thaddeus Journal)

At 8 p. m. on Monday the brig was off Kailua (James Hunnewell)

April 3rd. I intended giving particulars, from hour to hour, while each carries so much interest with it. But ray feeble frame seeks the couch so as to interrupt the pen. GOD will give me strength in his own good time. I have given some particulars, within the three last days, in letters to friends. You must gather from them. Now can I feel better than when I looked forward to it, what it is to have the jargon of savage tongues fall on the ear. But bless the Lord with me that tho the flesh is weakened the spirit if sustained. The accounts mentioned on Thursday, have been abundantly confirmed. The feet of some of our brethren have stood upon the ground v/here so lately the priests of idolatry offered up their bloody victims upon their cruel altars —their eyes have seen the wide ruins of their gloomy reign. But, 0, the wretched state of this poor people still! Could your eyes behold them your hearts would melt. The Lord strengthen us, and prepare our way before us, speedily and successfully to preach to them Jesus and him crucified. (Sybil Bingham)

Monday, April 3, 1820. Our ears are constantly stunned with the noise and jabbering of the natives about our vessel. I have counted 20 or 30 canoes about the Brig at a time; some, bringing fruits and vegetables, and others out of curiosity. Our deck is covered through the day with natives, and I have got so tired with the noise and sight of these naked creatures, that I could almost wish myself as far from them as you are. Since I have been sitting here by the cabin window, not less than a dozen canoes have come up to tempt me with their fruits. They want in exchange, scissors, beads, and knives. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

April 3. Yesterday was a confused Sabbath. The chief & nobility came on board to accompany us to Kairooah, the residence of the King. He had previously sent presents of hogs, potatoes, cocoanuts, banannahs &c. They appeared much pleased with the women and children. One of the Queens admired our dress, & brought a piece of white cambrick for us to make her a gown. Thomas H told her it was the sabbath, the Lords day, and that we would make it the next day. She appeared satisfied with the answer. Today we have been employed in making it. We esteem it a privilege to do anything for these poor degraded heathen. We hope God will soon open their hearts to receive instruction. They seem pleased with the idea of learning to read and write. I hope we may spend our lives among them, & do them much good; but it is yet uncertain, whether we shall be permitted to land or not. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

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Still in Kawaihae, Captain Blanchard and Hiram Bingham visit Pu’ukohola Heiau with Kalanimōku.

April 2, 1820 – Lords Day. This morning Capt. B. and Brother B. visited Crymokoo and with him the most celebrated moreah of the Islands. It was built by Tamaahmoah who himself laid the cornerstone. It stands on the brow of a hill, fronting the seashore. It consists now principally of a huge wall about 10 feet thick at the bottom and 5 at top, 20 feet in a height, on three sides of the parallellogram which is about 120 feet in breadth and 240 in length; but on the front side the wall, instead of being elevated much above the area enclosed, consists of 4 or 5 large offsets down the declivity of the hill, which made convenient places for hundreds of worshipers to stand while the priests was within offering prayers and sacrifices of abomination. In this inclosure are ruins of several houses burnt to the ground, the ashed of various wooden Gods, remains of …. and other like buildings. the ashes and burnt bones of many human visitors, sacrificed to demons. At the foot of the hill is a similar enclosure 280 feet in length and 50 in breadth, which had been used for the sacrifice of various beasts and plants, &c. The walls and areas of these open buildings, once tabooed and sacred, are now free to every foot, useless and tumbling into ruins, and as upon the fallen walls of Jerico, every man goes up straight before him, to set up the banner of Jehovah, Israel’s God. In the afternoon, Crymokooand his suit and visitors came on board with an intention to accompany us to the residence of the King. In the midst of these interesting Isles, surrounded with a listening and admiring group of natives, we attended public worhip on deck and offered prayers and praises to the God of Zion. Brother Bingham preached from Isa. 42.4. “The Isles shall wait for his law”. and considered the character of the Law-giver; of the law waited for; of those who shall wait for it; the manner of waiting; the evidence that these Isles do now or soon will wait for it, and the consequences of receiving it. Tho’ these Islanders could not now understand the precepts of the law of Christ, yet they harkened to the sound with almost perfect stillness and were pleased with our singing and our worship. One of the former queens had before requested that our Wihenes would make her a gown like their own, was told that it was the Lord’s day, and that they would make it tomorrow. This evening they have spread their portable mats and tapas on deck and laid themselves down peacefully to sleep. May the watchman of Israel keep them, and bring them to heavenly rest. (Thaddeus Journal)

On the 2d, the first missionary, ‘Mr. Bingham, went on shore to wait on Kalanimoku to come off. Through the day many canoes with men and women came off to trade, others to see the white women.’ Mr. Bingham visited the abandoned temple near by, and described it as ‘built on arough hill, a little way from the shore of the bay,’ occupying ‘an area about 240 feet in length, and 120 in breadth,’ and appearing like a fort.’ … At noon the captain returned to the brig, ‘accompanied by Kalanimōku, his two wives, and two of the late queens with their servants and several other chief women and natives. They brought some taro, potatoes, sugar-cane, and one hog. We then made sail, with light sea breezes the remainder of the day and night, and slow progress. At 4 p.m. all hands, with the natives, attended public worship’ (it was Sunday). (James Hunnewell)

2nd. This has been a new Sabbath to us all. The Chief and his family came on board for the purpose ‘of accompanying us to Kiarooah, (Kailua) the place of the king’s residence. One of the Queens brought a piece of cloth and requested us to make a gown like ours. Thomas told her it was the Lord’s day and we would make it to-morrow. She answered, miti (that is good). How unlike to those peaceful Sabbaths I have enjoyed in America, have been the scenes of this day. Instead of a little retired spot in my chamber, I am thronged with these degraded natives, whose continual chattering has become wearisome to me, yet I think this has been the most interesting Sabbath of my life. In the afternoon brother B. preached from Isa. 42.4. “and the Isles shall wait for his law”. The heathens paid a listening attention to the sound of the voice and the appearance of the audience. Oh may the time be hastened in its season^ when these Chiefs & Queens who have now heard the words of life shall become nursing fathers and mothers to this little church. (Nancy Ruggles)

2. Sabbath This morning capt B went on shore and again brought off the chief who will accompany us to the king at Kairooah, to-morrow. Brother B preached from the words ‘the Isles shall wait for his law’ Though only the sound of the Gospel reached their ears we hope the time is not far distant when its power will reach their hearts. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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Still drifting at Kawaihae, Kalanimōku comes to visit the missionaries and brings them gifts.

April 1, 1820 – Today Crymokoo and the two widows of Tamh., several other chief women, decently dressed came on board the Brig, having sent before them a present to Capt. B. of 3 hogs and 3 or 4 large bundles of sweet potatoes. This noble chief, after being introduced to the Mission family individually, and after the mutual salutations of shaking hands with the compliment, “Alloah,” sat down with us to dine, and appeared with great civility. His appearance was much more interesting than we expected. His dress was a neat dimity jacket, black silk vest, mankin pantaloons, white cotton stockings, and shoes, plaid cravat and a neat English hat. He sometimes however wears the native dress. He manifested peculiar fondness for the children of Capt. C. When we made known to him something of our objects and wishes, he listened with attention and said he must see the King, and they must consult together about it and then let us know what they would say. As a token of friendship he presented to Brother Bingham a curiously wrought spear, which may serve for a pruning hook or for a curiosity to gratify our American friends. They were pleased to find we could speak easy phrases in their language, made themselves more agreeable that we could have expected, and then left us with apparently kind sentiments. We are encouraged to hope that we shall be allowed soon to take possession of these Islands for the church and for Christ, even without a contest with the priests of Idolatry, now reduced to a level with the lowest class. It appears today that in settling the affairs of government that the chief – who chose not to destroy his Gods, with a powerful party, resisted till he lost about 40 men and his own life – Crymokoo with the loss of 6 men, was victorious. (Thaddeus Journal)

“At 5 a.m.” [April 1st], he continued, “I left the brig in the whale-boat for Koai at 8 am. I landed, and heard the report confirmed of the great revolution, and found two of the late queens here. I visited the spot where the morai lately stood; not a vestige of their wooden gods, save the ashes, was to be seen.” Meanwhile the brig had drifted out of the bay and he started for her, “without being able to accomplish my errand,” he wrote, and found her “about 15 miles S. E. by S. from the village” [Towaihae]. “Two or three canoes were off to the brig in the course of the day.” During the next, more canoes came, with chiefs, their wives and people, Kalanimōku confirming the former reports and agreeing “to go to-morrow with us to Kailua, the place of residence of Liholiho.” (James Hunnewell)

This morning received a present from the Great Chief, Krimakoo; cocoanuts. bananas. plantains. breadfruit, sweet-potatoes, tarrow and 2 hogs. About 11 Oc. the same day – arrived at our Brig in a large double canoe covered with an awning-a part of the Royal family consisting of the high Chief, his wife, Tamahamaah’ s 2 widows with their attendants and servants, about 30 in all.
Krimakoo was well dressed, in the English style; his wife was dressed in Chinese silk and tapper [tapa], one of the Queens in striped calico, and the other in black velvet trimmed round the bottom with an elegant gilt ribband, and each an elegant wreath of yellow feathers curiously wrought around their heads, and all barefoot. Their gowns were made in the old continental style, with a long tight waist reaching to the bottom of their waists which did not exceed 3/4 of a yd.
The attendants were dressed in Tapper, a sort of cloth of their own manufacture, made of the bark of a certain plant called the Kowoca [ka wauke] plant. It is coloured and printed with various figures, and some of it very handsome. This cloth they fold into 10 thicknesses, then wind it about the middle of their bodies (the females) two or three turns around – which in all makes 20 or 30 thicknesses about their bodies – their
shoulders, arms, &c entirely naked. The servants wear nothing but a small strip of cloth tied around their waist. Their office is, to spread their mats when they want to sit or lie down, roll and unroll them their Tapper, which they change 3 or 4 times a day, merely for show-hold their wash and spitting bowl, scratch their heads and backs, and brush off the flies, which generally requires 2 or 3 and sometimes more, according to the dignity of the person.
We had the company of this honorable Group, from Sabbath till Tuesday evening. I will now give you a brief description of their manners while with us.
The first salutation was similar to our manner of introduction, that of giving the hand and Alohah, i.e., how do you do, or good morning. They took seats and began to admire the Ladies, asking if they had any children, calling us “piccaninny” (too little). The larger and fatter the women in Owhyhee, the better. One of the old Queens weighs 350. She got me into her lap, and felt me from head to foot and said I must cow-cow and be nooe-nooe. i.e . I must eat more and grow larger. She admired my hair very much. and wished me to take out my combs, and let her see how long it was. She then wanted to see how I rolled it up. Not being accustomed to sitting upon seats, they began to be very uneasy. and ordering their servants to spread their mats, they flung themselves down, and rolled about the deck like so many hogs. requesting us to lie with them.
They eat when hunger suggests, without any regard to time or place – indeed they make no account of time – they eat and sleep, and eat again, frequently 8 or 10 times in the course of 24 hours.
They call for their food wherever they happen to be sitting or lying, which is brought to them in Calabashes. All eat out of one dish, and they suck their fingers and smack their lips as if it was all the better for it. They have a kind of pudding which they call poa, made of Tarrow, and which answers the purpose of bread for them. They have one kind which they eat with one finger, which is about as thick as hasty pudding; another, which is made thinner, and requires 2 fingers. and a third, 3. The Chief’s wife and two queens formed one circle, and the attendants (nobility), another. If a servant who sits squatted behind to brush off the flies, can slip his finger into the dish of poa slyly it is all his gain, but if he happens to be caught, another takes his place.
They dined, and sometimes breakfasted with us in the Cabin, but found great inconvenience in sitting to our table and using a knife and fork.
Finally I know not how to describe their manners, for should I make use of language as indelicate and uncouth as they really appear, which I must do to give you any correct idea of their manners, you must be disgusted. They were told that, there were ladies on board that would be offended to see them come naked, else they would have come in their native style, with only a piece of tapper wound about their waists; altho they have the richest clothes in abundance. The sight of their wretched situation without firm confidence and faith in Jehovah, is enough to dishearten anyone in their attempts to reform them. But the Lord has already done great things for this people. It appears that, he has already begun to put down the strong holds of Satan – thus preparing a high way for his people. The most powerful obstacle which was anticipated could stand in the way of planting the standard of the cross upon these shores (the abolishment of Idolatry) is done away – and not by any human means either, but ‘it is truly the Lord’s doings and marvellous in our eyes.’ (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

April 1st. Had a visit from the chief, his two wives, and two widows of Tamahamaha, with a numerous train of attendants. The name of heathen has long been familiar to my ears, but half of their read wretchedness was never told me, O my dear Christian friends, you who enjoy the exalted privileges of the Gospel & civilization, I entreat you to think of the heathen and remember that you must shortly meet them at the bar of Jehovah; and answer for the feelings and conduct which you now exercise toward them. The chief was dressed, in English and appeared well. His wives and the Queens were clothed in China dresses on account of our being on board. They generally go almost naked. The Queens are monstrous women, judged to weigh about 400 pounds each. Their heads were both crowned with a wreath of yellow feathers. The sight of white females was a novelty to them. They expressed a desire to become acquainted with our customs were much pleased with the idea of writing, tried themselves, and succeeded very well. The Chief dined with the mission family, but the Queens chose to eat by themselves. Their provision was raw fish and poe. They ate with all the simplicity-of untaught barbarians, without any politeness or even decency. (Nancy Ruggles)

April 1. Crymakoo (Kalanimōku) the principal chief, with his wife, Tamaahmaah us two widows and a great number of attendants have visited us. Crymakoo is a man of a pleasant countenance. He was dressed in a short dimity coat, a silk vest, nankeen pantaloons, with a hat, cravat, stockings & shoes. His wife and the Queens were dressed in loose gowns, without stockings, shoes, or bonnets. Those who were with them were almost naked. Some had nothing but a small strip of cloth round their middle, others had a piece loosely thrown over their shoulders. The site of these wretches would have made my heart sink within me, had I not had previous information respecting them. I think the Queens in size surpass any females I ever saw. It is judged one will weigh 400. I do not think however she will weigh quite so much. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

April 1. – This morning the chief (Kalanimōku) came together with his wife, & two wives of the former king. Brought off presents of hogs, potatoes, coconuts, bananas, sugar-cane, tarro &c. He is a shrewd, active looking man expressed his good wishes to us all, but choose not to say much about our settlement. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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