HAWAIIAN OR SANDWICH ISLANDS. 



2!>G 



southwest. After passing into the Pailolo Passage with a strong 

 trade, it is advisable to keep close to its eastern side. There are a 

 few outlying rocks, but nothing beyond half a mile from the shore. 

 When turning round the point of the island, the shore may be ap- 

 proached nearer, and as soon as the anchorage is opened, haul up for 

 it, reducing sail as occasion may require ; by this means a vessel will 

 reach a berth without making a tack. 



The town of Lahaina is the residence of the king, and has a popu- 

 lation of 3000. The roadstead is one of the principal resorts of our 

 whale ships, where they recruit their crews and obtain a supply of 

 provisions and water. The landing at low water is bad ; the tide 

 falls below the coral reef, which extends from the shore. A narrow 

 and tortuous channel for boats leads through it. At high water, 

 boats can pass over the reef and land at almost any point on the 

 beach ; the principal landing, however, is close to the Fort. The 

 supplies consist of beef, potatoes, taro, fruits, and wood ; the water is 

 pure and abundant. There is here a Seamen's Chapel, built by the 

 contributions of our whaling fleet ; in this, one of the missionaries 

 usually officiates on the Sabbath. The police of the place is good, 

 and there is freedom from annoyance to masters of ships in conse- 

 quence of it. Grogshops are comparatively few, and there are no 

 enticements for sailors to visit the shore. The place is healthy, and 

 well fitted for the re-establishment of health. 



The current at Lahaina usually sets along the line of the coast, 

 running northwest 16 hours out of the 24 ; it sometimes varies in 

 direction and velocity, according to the prevalence of winds. It is 

 high water, full and change, at 2-30 p. m. 



Rain seldom falls at Lahaina, in consequence of its being on the lee 

 side of the island, but scarcely a day passes in which showers do not 

 take place upon the mountains and descend in rivulets on the west side, 

 affording every opportunity to irrigate the land. The soil about 

 Lahaina is generally dry, and driven about in all directions by the 

 violent flurries of wind, which sweep down the mountain side, and 

 make it an uncomfortable place for a few hours in the day. 



The Island of Kahoolawe offers no harbor or anchorage, nor has it 

 any inhabitants except a state prisoner or two, who are exiled there 

 for high crimes and misdemeanors. 



