The voyage of the resolution and discovery 1776-1780

Author:

Beaglehole, J. C.

Title:

The voyage of the resolution and discovery 1776-1780

Periodical:

The Journals of Captain James Cook on his voyages of discovery

Year:

1955

Subject:

Voyages around the world Oceania discovery and exploration Hawaii history Hawaii description and travel

Summary:

An account of Captain Cook's visit to the island of Hawaii in 1779. The journals note the appearance of volcanic destruction on the southeast coast and describe a large lava tube with fluted sides ascribed to the action of fire. The journals also give a general description of the Sandwich Islands (named by Cook), including two snow-covered peaks (Mauna Roa and Mauna Kaa) described as being of great height. They describe the interior as the dregs of a volcano covered with cinders, describe Kaa (Kilauea) as a barren waste, owing to ravages of a volcano [erroneously ascribed to Mauna Kea, instead of Mauna Loa], and interpret inland features (seen during an aborted attempt to climb Mauna Loa) as having undergone great alteration by volcanoes or earthquakes.

Collection:

Monographs