March 29, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Another day will probably show us the long looked for land of Obookiah, where the ignorant inhabitants are enslaved by Satan and led captive by him at his will, xxxx O what would be the feelings of Obookiah did he now live to behold the happiness which awaits his dear countrymen. Often did he weep for them, often pour out his soul in prayer that God would send them the gospel. But now he rests in the bosom of his Father, and the prayers which he uttered have come up for a memorial before God and his countrymen are about to hear the news of salvation. At Length we are permitted to behold the land of our expected labours. (Elisha Loomis Journal)

March 29,1820. Brother T. in the Chair. Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to purchase of the natives of Owhyhee, such articles as may be thought desirable and to do what trading is necessary.
Resolved, That b’rother Chamberlain of our company and Mr. Honneywell of the Thaddeus be a Committee for this purpose. (Minutes of the Prudential Meetings of the Mission Family)

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March 30, 1820 – Let us thank God and take courage. Early this morning the long looked for Owahyee and the cloud capt and snow spt Mauna Keah appear full in view to the joy of the animated multitude on board (11 o’clock A.M.) We are now coasting along the noth-east part of the Island, so near the shore as to see the numerous habitations, cultivated fields, smoke rising in different parts, fresh vegetation, rocks, rivulets, cascades, trees &c. and with the help of glasses men and women, immortal beings purchased with redeeming blood. We are much pleased, not to say delighted with the scene and long to be on shore. (4 o’clock – P.M.) Pass Mowe on the right. Having turned the Northern extremity of O. Capt. B. this afternoon sent off a boat to make inquiries respecting the king &c. Mr. Hunnewell, a mate, Thos. Hopoo, J. Tamoree and others, went nearly to the shore and fell in with 10 or 12 native fishermen in their canoes, who readily gave the important information that the aged King Tameamaah is dead – that Reehoreeho his son succeeds him – that the images of his Gods are burned – that the men eat with the women in all the Islands, – that one chief only was killed in settling the affirs of government, and he for refusing to destroy his Gods. – that Reehoreeho the young king, and Kiimokoo the first chief, sometimes called Billy Pitt, both reside at Owhyhee. If these are facts they are interesting facts, and seem to show that Christ is overturning in order to take possession and that these Isles are waiting for his law, while the old and decaying pillars of idolatry are falling to the ground. The moment seems favorable for the introduction of Christianity and the customs of civilized life, and our hopes are strengthened that there will be welcome. Whatever be the moral character and habits of the young king, we believe that these important particulars may with some confidence be rested on ; 1st that he is specially desirous for improvement in learning; 2nd that he has long been indifferent to Idol worship, that he is not unfriendly to the whites. Our hearts do rejoice, though we are disappointed in not being allowed to preach Christ to that venerable Chief, – and tho’ we believe we shall have trials enough to give exercise to faith and patience, yet our hearts do rejoice to hear the voices of one crying, “In the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for your God”. (Thaddeus Journal)

March 30 – … at early morning, March 30th, to the joy of our expectin little company, the long looked for Hawaii appeared in the West. The lofty Mauna Kea lifted its snow crowned summit above the dark and heavy clouds that begirt its waist.
Our natives eagerly watching, had descried it in the night, at the distance of eighty miles. As we approached, we had a fine view of about sixty. miles of the N. E. coast of the island-the districts of Hilo, Hamakua, and part of Kohala; and as the sun shining in his strength dissipated the clouds, we had a more impressive view of the stupendous pyramidal Mauna Kea, having a base of some thirty miles, and a height of nearly three miles.
Its several terminal peaks rise so near each other, as scarcely to be distinguished at a distance. These, resting on the shoulders of this vast Atlas of the Pacific, prove their great elevation by having their bases environed with ice, and their summits covered with snow, in this tropical region, and heighten the grandeur and beauty of the scene, by exhibiting in miniature, a northern winter, in contrast with the perpetual summer of the temperate and torrid zones below the snow and ice. The shores along this coast
appeared very bold, rising almost perpendicularly, several hundred feet, being furrowed with many ravines and streams.
From these bluffs, the country rises gradually, for a few miles presenting a grassy appearance, with a sprinkling of trees and shrubs. Then, midway from the sea to the summit of the mountain, appeared a dark forest, principally of the koa and ohia, forming a sort of belt, some ten miles in breadth – the temperate zone of the mountain.
As we approached the northern extremity of Hawaii, we gazed successively, upon the verdant hills, and deep ravines, the habitations of the islanders, the rising columns of smoke, the streams, cascades, trees, and vestiges of volcanic agency: then, with glasses, stretching our vision, we descried the objects of our solicitude, moving along the shore-immortal beings, purchased with redeeming blood, and here and there, the monuments of their superstition. Animated with the novel and changeful scene, we longed to spring. on shore, to shake hands with the people, and commence our work by telling them of the great salvation by Jesus Christ. As we passed round the northern extremity of Hawaii, Maui rose on our right, at the distance of twenty-five or thirty miles.
Having gained the lee, or western side of Kohala, an officer with Hopu and Honolii, was sent by a boat, at 4 P. M., to make inquiry of the inhabitants respecting the state of the islands, and the residence of the king. Waiting nearly three hours, we hailed their return, eager to catch the sound of the first intelligence; and how were our ears astonished to hear, as it were, the voice divine, proclaiming on their hills and plains,
‘In the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord,
Make straight in the desert, a highway for our God.’
How were our hearts surprised, agitated, and encouraged beyond every expectation, to hear the report ‘ ‘Kamehameha is dead – His son Liholiko is king – the tabus are abolished – the images are destroyed, – the heiaus of idolatrous worship are burned, and the party that attempted to restore them by force of arms has recently been vanquished!’ The hand of God! how visible in thus beginning to answer the prayer of his people, for the Hawaiian race! (Hiram Bingham)

March 30th, 1820. —–Memorable day—a day which brings us in full view of that dark pagan land so long the object of our most interested thoughts. Between twelve and one this morning, the word was from Thomas who was up watching, ‘land appears*. When the watch at four was called, Honoree came down saying, ‘Owhyhee sight!’ There was but little sleep. When the day afforded more light than the moon we were all out, and judge you, if possible, what sensation filled our breasts as we fixed our eyes upon the lofty mountains of Owhyhee!I O! it would be in vain to paint them. I attempt it not. A fair wind carried us by different parts of the island near enough to discern its verdure, here and there a cataract rushing down the bold precipice—some huts, natives and smoke. I would I could put my feelings, for a little season, into your bosoms. Fo boats coming off as usual, Capt. B— thought it advisable to send ashore to inquire into the state of things, and where he might find the king. Our good Thomas and Honoree, with Mr. Hunnewell and a few hands, set off. Our hearts beat high, and each countenance spoke the deep interest felt as we crowded around our messengers at their return. With almost breathless impatience to make the communication, they leap on board and say, Tamaahmaah is dead! The government is settled in the hands of his son Keehoreeho-Krimokoo is principal chief—the taboo system is no more–men and women eat together;—the idol gods are burned!! How did we listen! What could we say? The Lord has gone before us and we wait to see what He has for us to do. (Sybil Bingham)

March 30. Lat. 20d Long. 155 W. The long wished for Owhyhee is now in full view on our left. We made the snow topt mountain of Mauna-Noa about 2 Oc. this morning. You may well suppose that after a voyage of 160 days, we were not a little glad. Our feelings cannot be realized but by those in like situation. The joy manifested by the native youth, is such as we should any of us feel to behold the land of our birth, after so long an absence.
9 Oc. We are now 8 miles from shore, and can see streams and rivulets of fresh water issuing from the mountain. Empty themselves into the sea. The country before us is beautiful, wearing the appearance of a cultivated place – with houses and huts. and plantations of sugar cane and Tarrow.
2 Oc. Sent off a boat to make discoveries. and hope they will return bearing an ‘Olive branch in their mouth.’
4 Oc .P.M . boat returned with news of King Tamahamaah’s death; that the worship of Idolatry and other heathenish customs are entirely abolished. Such glad news we were not prepared to receive. Truly the Lord hath gone before us in mercy.
We have not yet ascertained whether we may be permitted to land. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

March 30
March 30th. Last night about 1 o’clock brother Hopoo came to my room almost in an ecstasy of joy and told me to get up and see Owhyhee (Hawaii); I-went on deck and by the bright moonlight could just discover it 60 miles from us. At daylight we could see plainly the high mountain Mahoon- ah Kaah (Mauna Kea) clothed in a thick mantle of snow. I will leave it to my friends to imagine what our feelings are at the sight of land, that land which we have long wished to see, and in which we hope to plant the standard of the cross and labour for Christ.
This afternoon we sent a boat for the shore, but it was met by some canoes of natives, who gave us information that Tamahamaha (Kamehameha) the King* was dead; Oreoreo (Li ho liho) his eldest son succeeded him to the throne. They also informed, us that their Taboos were all broken their Harais burnt to ashes and their idols destroyed. They had been at war, but now, all was peace and prosperity; and the men and women ate together and enjoyed equal privileges.’ We could, hardly credit all this, but were constrained to exclaim in the language of our hearts, “What hath God wrought.” (Samuel Ruggles)

After sailing one hundred and fifty-seven days, we beheld, looming up before us, March 30, 1820, the long looked-for island of Hawaii. As we approached the northern shore, joy sparkled in every eye, gratitude and hope seemed to fill every heart. The native youths were all animation, scarcely seeking the refreshment of either sleep or food. Hopu, though he was up all night that he might enjoy a glimmering view of Mauna Kea, after eating half a meal at breakfast table, begged to be excused, that he might go and see where his father lived.

Thursday Noon. We are now approaching the shores, & are permitted to gaze on the island of Owhyhee. Joy sparkles in every eye, gratitude & animating hopes seem to fill every heart. The dear native youth particularly Thomas & Honora are all animation, scarcely seeking the refreshment either of sleep or food. Good brother Thomas, although he sat up all night that he might enjoy a glimmering view of his native country, at breakfast after eating half a meal, begged to be excused “that he might go & see where his father lived.” We have now a full view of Mount Mowno Roa. Its top being covered with snow produces a novel appearance in this equatorial region. It is some of the highest land in the world, & can be seen forty or fifty leagues at sea, in clear weather. It is a volcano, which sometimes burns with incredible fury. — As we have been pleasantly sailing, round within two or three miles of the northern shores of the island, with mingled emotions & an inexpressible interest, have we gazed on their villages & fields.

At Night. This afternoon the Captain sent ashore to learn where the king was. The messengers soon returned, bringing the following interesting facts; that Tammahamaah was dead; that the idols of the Sandwich islands were no more; that men & women ate together. (Lucy Goodale Thurston)

March 30th. I awoke this morning at an early hour, and heard one of the officers say, “Owhyhee is to be seen.” I arose though but half past 2, & by moonlight could plainly see the Island. It was about 40 miles distant. When the morning came and the sun dispelled the shades of night, we saw the mountain of which you have heard much said. Its appearance was truly sublime reaching even above the clouds. Streams of water were seen running from it in torrents while its top was covered with perpetual snow. This mountain is Volcanic. As we sailed along and came near to the shore, green grass and cultivated land appeared. About 12 o’clock we saw several persons on the shore and not far distant a Morai, or Idol Temple.
4 o’clock. We have been sailing today within a few miles of the Island expecting to see the natives come paddling in their canoes; but none have yet visited us. Thomas Hopoo and John Honoree with several of the ship’s crew, have been near the shore in a boat, but did not land. Several of the natives were out a fishing, of whom they enquired for King Tamaahamaaha, who informed them he was dead, and his son Rehoreho had succeeded him and burnt all his Father’s idols. They likewise informed them that they had now no Taboos or religious laws, & that men & women eat together. I understand that a few years since it was thought such a disgrace for a man to eat with a woman, no one would ever eat with him afterwards; and for the woman the punishment was death. Well may we exclaim “what hath God wrought.” It seems as if the Lord had verily gone before us, and that the Isles are even now waiting for his law. Have we not occasion to rejoice we do indeed rejoice, but it is with trembling. Though the idols of Owhyhee are burnt we do not expect that idolatry is utterly abolished. We probably shall have to struggle with many difficulties and meet with much opposition before the standard of the cross will be erected in this heathen land. I am much fatigued with the labors of packing my things today and must bid you good night. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

30. – Last night at 3 o’clock I was awakened to look at the long expected island of Owhyhee. Joy again fills my heart. At 9 we were opposite Mouna-Keah said to be one of the highest mountains and the world. Its top is covered with snow which descends apparently about half of the way. Beautiful cascades are seen poring over its cliffs, & the clouds float along its sides. At 12 we were off the northern point. This is said to be the pleasantest part of the island. The boat was has now gone ashore & we are waiting to hear the news. 4 o’clock. The boat has returned. King Tamaamaha is dead, his son Rehoreho has succeeded to the throne, idolatry is destroyed & both sexes eat together. We are now about 50 miles farther to go in order to see the King. Eternal thanks to God the Lord of the whole universe. He hath broken down with his own hand the greatest barriers to our work. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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The Thaddeus stays around Kawaihae – some missionaries and members of the crew of the Thaddeus go ashore there. The Thaddeus drifts and apparently does not anchor there.

March 31, 1820 – The interesting intelligence of yesterday is confirmed today by a visit of Mr. Ruggles, Tho. H. and Tamoree to the residence of Krimokoo where they were kindly received and entertained.  The widow of Tamh. sent us a present of fresh fish, cocoanuts, sweet potatoes, bananas, sugar-cane, breadfruit, &c., expressing much satisfaction that we had come to teach them good things.

Several natives came off to the Brig in the canoes, with some little articles of provisions, of their own manufacture, shells, &c. for the purpose of traffic.  of them we inquired whether they had learned anything about Jehovah who had made Owhyhee and all things.  They replied, that Reehoreeho the King had heard of the great God of the white people, and had spoken of him, that all the chiefs but one had agreed to destroy their Idols, because they were convinced that they could do no good since they could not even save their King.  idol worship is therefore prohibited and the priesthood entirely abolished.  – Sing, O Heavens for the Lord hath done it. (Thaddeus Journal)

31^st. ” Soon after meridian, on the 31st, the brig lay to off Towaihae (Kawaihae) Bay, on the west coast of Kohala, the northern district of Hawaii. An officer, Mr. Hunnewell, was dispatched in a boat with two natives to learn the condition of affairs onland. His journal states that “at 2 p.m. I went to the shore for information. I was informed that the King Tamehameha [1st], was dead, that Rehurehu [Liholiho his son] was head chief, that Krimoku [Kalanimōku] was second in power, that they ‘had caused to be burned all their wooden gods,’ that all the chiefs and natives had become Inores, that one chief, [?] refusing to give up his wooden gods, had been put to death. I returned to the brig at 4 p.m., where the news was gratefully received by our missionary friends’ told them in the words he used, ‘Kamehameha is dead, the gods and temples are burned— Owyhee’s idols are no more.”  (James Hunnewell)

March 31st. I need not say this is a deeply interesting season. For a moment my heart has failed me. I have been these five months, bringing these scenes to my view, so much that I thought I should in a measure stand unmoved. But I am obliged to seek my little room and let the tears flow. Canoes of the naked natives are along side of our vessel and coming on board. 0, my sisters, you cannot tell how the sight of these poor degraded creatures, both literally and spiritually naked, would affect you; I say naked. They have nothing but a narrow strip, which they term a marrow, tied around them.  (Sybil Bingham)

31st.  Thomas and I had been on shore at Toahie (Kawaihae); Larokrimakoo (Kalanimoku) the head chief, and two of Tamahamaha’s (Kamehameha) widows; all seemed pleased to see us, and treated us with kindness.

The news which we heard yesterday was confirmed by them. Yes, beloved friends, “Owhyhee’s (Hawaii) idols are no more”. God has done a great work for us apparently without any human agency; a work to accomplish for which we expected to labour for years. Their high priests and now ranked among the lowest class of people. This revolution took place about the time we left our native shore, the time when so many prayers were offered up for us, and for this nation. They have now no worship but seem to be waiting for the law of Christ. While on shore I visited the ruins of the most celebrated Moral on the Island; saw the ashes of more than 300 human victims who had been offered in sacrifice to their dumb idols. The land on this side the Island is barren being almost entirely made of lava. The natives go naked except a narrow strip of cloth fastened round the middle.  (Samuel Ruggles)

March 31.  We have been becalmed near 24 hours.  Early this morning one of the officers & several men went on shore, to invite the head chief and his lady, to come and see us.  The men & boat have returned, and brought some of the productions of the Island, such as sweet potatoes, bread-fruit, plantains, cocoanuts, sugar-cane &c.  I relish none except the coconut.  Brother Ruggles was one who went ashore.  They went to the house of the chief and were treated with great kindness and hospitality.  The best of the house afforded was set before them.  The natives cut their poe (or pudding) made of tarrow with their fingers; but perceiving Brother R chose not to eat in such a manner, they got him a spoon made of an elephant’s tooth.  It was not customary for them to drink tea, but because they were white men, the Queen who was there, ordered some to be made it was poured into a China bowl and drank with a silver spoon; she taking a spoonful herself, then passing it around.  When they first enter the house, the Queen was lying on a mat or the floor, with several attendants; some rubbing her, others keeping off the flies.  They visited the Morai (heiau)& saw the ruins of idolatry.  The bones of human victims with those of hogs and dogs, laid strewed upon the ground with the ashes of the idols.  The reason they gave for burning their Gods was this, they said they could not save the life of Tamaahmaah (Kamehameha), nor of his father, therefore they were good for nothing.  How surprising! That what we expected would be the labour of years, God has accomplished before our arrival.  He orders all the events of providence in such a manner, that no flesh may glory in his presence.  (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

31. – Have this day sent a boat to invite on board a chief called Krimahoo (alias Billy Pitt.) who is prime minister of state: but as he had gone a fishing he did not come.  (Several canoes came full of natives, naked except a small piece of tappa about the loins.  Here is a picture of human depravity without the covering of a civilized education.)  (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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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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