HAWAIIAN OR SANDWICH ISLANDS. 



289 



where a vessel can undergo repairs. Hawaii can be seen in clear 

 weather at a great distance. Its rise is so gradual, that few are pre- 

 pared to admit its elevation. It lias four distinct elevations, Maun a 

 Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, and Kohala. The greater part of the 

 island is covered with forest, except where the indurated lava has 

 flowed over. But comparatively a small portion of this island is sus- 

 ceptible of cultivation. Nearly all the population reside on the sea- 

 shore, where the climate is mild, and the productions of the tropics 

 are obtained with little labor. 



Hilo Bay is the only anchorage on the northeast side for vessels. 

 It is much exposed to the swell of the ocean, being but litle protected 

 by the sunken coral reefs, which lie to seaward of the anchorage. This 

 bay is 3 miles wide by 2 miles deep. It is not difficult to enter, but 

 recpuires some precaution. Vessels intending to anchor in Hilo Bay, 

 should stand in for the southern part of Mauna Kea, if it can be seen. 

 "When the sea-breeze or trade-wind, which generally prevails, blows 

 fresh from the northeast, steer directly for the gulch on the west side 

 of the bay. A southwest course per compass will lead clear of the 

 point of the reef, which lies east from it. On the reef the sea usually 

 breaks. A vessel should not approach nearer the reef than ten fathoms, 

 and if becalmed when on soundings, it is advisable to anchor until 

 the breeze springs up. Soundings will be had within about a mile of 

 the reef, in 30 fathoms ; coarse gravel and sand, to the northward of 

 the reef, but if to the eastward, fine sand. The sea-breeze seldom 

 blows strong in the early part of the day, and generally fails when it 

 encounters the land-breeze, about 3 miles from the shore. When 

 Cocoanut Island bears to the eastward of south, steer in for the coni- 

 cal hill back of the town of Hilo; this course will lead clear of the west 

 point of the reef. Cocoanut Island has three black rocks lying to 

 the north of it. When Cocoanut Island bears southeast, steer for 

 the mouth of Waiakea Creek, at the eastern point of the beach, and 

 when the black rocks off Cocoanut Island and East Point come in 

 range, anchor in 5 to 6 fathoms water, soft mud and sticky bottom. 

 There is no occasion to moor, but the anchor should be dropped with 

 a long scope of cable laid out to seaward : there is sometimes a 

 heavy sea setting in, but the wind does not blow home, and a vessel 

 will ride by the bight of her cable to all the other winds. The 

 afternoons and evenings are usually calm. The sea-breezes are accom- 

 panied with rain showers. Water is obtained in the Waiakea River, 



