Hawaii History

The following stories have been selected for the variety of outlooks they present on the development of Hawaii from its discovery by Polynesian seafarers around 100 A.D. or so, to the present. Most of the stories are factual, some are fiction, but all offer a glimpse into the culturally diverse melting pot that is Hawaii. Enjoy!

Tales from the Night Rainbow By Pali Jae Lee and Koko Willis This very personal account, related in the first person by Kaili'ohe Kame'ekua (1816-1931) is a Hawaiian history seen from the point of view of the original settlers, who were invaded in the 13th century by Tahitian conquerors, the ali'i.

Kaili'ohe was in a rare position to shed some light on Hawaiian history: As well as being born during the reign of Kamehameha I and living until 1931, she was recognized in her youth as a kaula (prophet or seer), and was trained to remember the complete geneology of her 'ohana (clan), extending back to pre -Tahitian invasion times.

The Discovery of the Hawaiian Islands By James Cook. Written by Captain Cook himself, this is an excellent peek into the Hawaii that Cook found, as well as a slice of 18th century British naval life.

The Last Days of Captain Cook By James Burney. Cook's ill-fated second visit to Hawaii is here described by the first lieutenant of the Discovery.

With Vancouver at Kealakekua Bay By Thomas Manby. Fourteen years after the death of Captain Cook, Captain George Vancouver stopped by Kealakekua Bay, site of Cook's death. Thomas Manby was a master's mate in the

Leaves from a Missionary's Diary By Laura Fish Judd. In 1828, among the "Third Company" of missionaries to arrive in Hawaii, was Gerrit P. Judd, destined to be a major political force in the kingdom. His wife, Laura, sets down in her diary her first impressions.

Between Heathenism and Missionaryism By James J. Jarves. Jarves was the editor of the Polynesian, a Honolulu newspaper in the 1830's. A balanced view of the results of the missionary influence on the Honolulu society of the time.

Bullock Hunters of the Kohala Range By F. A. Olmsted. The descendants of George Vancouver's gift of cattle to Kamehameha I ran wild and prospered thanks to the king's tabu upon killing them. A few years later, it became necessary to control their ravages, and the Hawaiian cowboy (paniolo) was born.

Two Victorian Ladies Visit Honolulu By Sophia Cracroft. A lively description of Honolulu in 1861.

Equestrian Excursion to Diamond Head By Mark Twain. America's favorite humorist holds forth on his adventures in paradise in 1866.

A Visit to the Volcano By Mark Twain. Even Mr. Twain, that perennial humorist, is sobered by his experience of Kilauea Volcano in 1866.

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