HAWAIIAN, OR SANDWICH ISLANDS. 



293 



the sea : while that to the west is smaller, rising to the height of only 

 5000 feet. There are several well-defined peaks, projecting above this 

 mountain range, from its eastern to its western end. They are joined 

 by a sandy plain, 3 miles east and west ; it is quite low, and from 

 a distance to the north, appears as though there was a passage 

 between them. Many navigators have mistaken Western Maui for 

 Molokai Island, and have hauled up, as they supposed, to pass 

 through the Pailolo Channel, which lies between Molokai and Maui, 

 leading into Lahaina Roads. This error resulted, in one case, in the 

 entire loss of a vessel. West Maui, though the smallest, is of the 

 most importance ; and Lahaina, at its western end, is one of the 

 principal ports of this group. To anchor there, vessels either go to 

 the south of Kahoolawe, through the Avau Passage, or round the 

 north and west end of West Maui, through the Pailolo Channel, 

 and approach Lahaina Roads from the west. If a vessel wishes to 

 anchor in Lahaina Roads, coming from the eastward, she ought, 

 after leaving Hawaii, to steer so as to clear the west end of Kahoo- 

 lawe. There is a passage to the north of Kahoolawe, between it 

 and Maui, through which a vessel may sail. The Islet of Molokini 

 lies in the middle, between the two, and is the only danger ; but I 

 cannot recommend this route to any vessel. The land of both islands 

 is high, and a vessel may be becalmed in passing through, and expe- 

 rience much detention from baffling airs from all points of the compass, 

 and not unfrequently be struck by heavy squalls, which from their 

 suddenness as well as violence, would be very apt to cause the loss of 

 light sails and spars. 



The southwest point (Kealaikahiki Point) lies in 156° 42' west 

 longitude, latitude 20° 31' north. A berth of 5 miles should be given 

 to this point; off it lies Kuia Shoal, li miles distant, on which there 

 is but Is fathoms water. 



A vessel may pass close to the shore within this shoal, but it is 

 advisable to go outside farther to the south. The more room a vessel 

 gives the west point of Kahoolawe the better; the breeze will be 

 stronger, and cause the least delay in reaching the roadstead of 

 Lahaina. When to the west of Kealaikahiki Point some 6 miles, 

 the easterly breeze will be lost. Then the most western peak of West 

 Maui will bear north 25° east (true) ; steer directly for it. About noon 

 the sea-breeze sets in daily towards Maui, which will carry a vessel 

 onward to the anchorage. Care, however, must be taken not to ap- 



