The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook

The Hawaiians appeared to regard Cook as the god Lono. The procession led Cook to the Hiki’au Heiau, a sacred temple dedicated to Lono, where Cook was subjected to various religious rituals, including the sacrifice of pigs. The Hawaiians’ behavior, characterized by prostrations and chants of “Lono,” suggested a spiritual or cultural significance. Cook participated in these rituals with patience and curiosity, despite not fully understanding their meaning. The episode highlighted the cultural chasm and the complexities of first contact, as well as Cook’s willingness to engage with and respect local customs, even as he navigated the practical needs of his expedition.

Captain Cook and his crew experienced a period of tranquility and hospitality at Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawai’i. The Hawaiians welcomed the visitors generously, providing food, shelter, and assistance for repairs. Cook’s men established camps and enjoyed the vibrant local culture, which included music, dance, and friendly interactions. The landscape and people of Hawai’i left an impression on the crew, who marveled at the island’s natural beauty and the locals’ swimming and surfing skills. Despite occasional issues with theft, the presence of a local enforcer, Parea, helped to maintain order. Cook’s men found themselves enchanted by the island’s idyllic setting, marking these days as some of the most pleasant and memorable of their entire voyage.

During Cook’s stay at Kealakekua Bay, the anticipated arrival of the powerful King Kalaniʻōpuʻu finally materialized. The king’s entrance marked the end of the Makahiki festival and the beginning of a more somber season governed by Kū, the god of war. Despite his frail appearance, Kalaniʻōpuʻu exhibited regal authority and presented Cook with a magnificent feathered cloak and helmet, symbolizing great honor. However, the prolonged presence of Cook and his men began to strain the island’s resources and test the king’s patience. The death of a crew member underscored the mortality of Cook’s men, challenging the local people’s notion of their divinity. Ultimately, Cook decided to leave, but a sudden foremast break forced an unplanned return to Kealakekua, setting the stage for future tensions.

On February 14, 1779, tensions between Captain Cook’s crew and the Hawaiians reached a tragic climax. Lieutenant James Burney discovered that a cutter had been stolen, prompting Cook to attempt an audacious plan: to kidnap King Kalaniʻōpuʻu and hold him for ransom until the boat was returned. Cook, accompanied by armed marines, approached the king’s village under the pretense of a friendly visit. However, escalating hostility from the locals, spurred by an earlier altercation resulting in the death of a Hawaiian chief, led to a violent confrontation. Cook was attacked and killed by the Hawaiians, marking a grim end to his final voyage.

The morning after Captain Cook’s death, his crew faced chaos and grief as they attempted to recover his body and those of the slain marines. The Hawaiians’ hostile actions and the refusal of Lieutenant John Williamson to retrieve the bodies led to widespread anger and despair among the crew. Captain Clerke, now in command, managed to retrieve the expedition’s critical supplies and began negotiations to recover Cook’s remains. Through persistent efforts, they obtained some of Cook’s bones, although heavily mutilated. The crew held a solemn funeral at sea for Cook, deeply mourning their revered leader.

After leaving Kealakekua Bay on February 23, 1779, the Resolution and Discovery, led by the ailing Captain Clerke, continued their survey of the Hawaiian Islands before heading north to the Arctic. The crew, demoralized and struggling with the harsh conditions, faced further hardships as they probed for the Northwest Passage, ultimately finding insurmountable ice. In August, Captain Clerke succumbed to his illness and was buried in Petropavlovsk, and John Gore assumed command. The ships journeyed to Macau, where they discovered the high value of sea otter pelts, sparking talk of mutiny. The news of Cook’s death reached London, causing widespread shock and mourning. Upon their return to England in October 1780, the crew faced a new reality of war between Britain, France, and Spain, and they dealt with personal and collective losses, including Elizabeth Cook, who lived out her days mourning her family’s tragic fate.

Sides details the myth of Lono, the Hawaiian god of music, rain, agriculture, and more, who created the Makahiki festival to repent for killing his wife, Kaikilani, in a jealous rage. This festival, marked by feasts, songs, and sports, was a period of peace and renewal that began with the appearance of the Pleiades star cluster. Each year, Lono’s priests led a coastal procession around Hawai’i, collecting offerings and symbolically sending them to Lono. The Hawaiians believed that Lono’s tears were the seasonal rains and that he would one day return to Kealakekua Bay, reuniting with his people.