HAWAIIAN OR SANDWICH ISLANDS. 



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KAUAI. 



The Island of Kauai lies 64 miles to the west-northwest of Oahu : 

 it is nearly circular in form, being 24 miles in diameter, and rises to 

 the height of 4000 feet. It has several peaks, but none that are 

 very pointed. From a distance, it appears somewhat dome-shaped. 

 Spurs lead from the high land to the coast, where they form many 

 barren and steep cliffs, with valleys between them, though of small 

 extent, yet of great fruitfulness, being well watered from the numerous 

 streamlets which descend from the mountain peaks, and receive their 

 supplies by the continual depositions of the clouds. The indentations 

 of the shores formed by these valleys, in a few instances, offer small 

 havens, which, though not deserving the name of harbors, admit the 

 embarkation of produce in the small vessels of the islands, and may 

 be used as temporary stopping-places for vessels in want of supplies. 



On the south and southeast are the small bays of Waimea and 

 Kaneohe. Waimea Bay lies in latitude 21° 56' north, and longitude 

 159° 43' west. The harbor of Halelea lies on the north : it is the 

 best port to obtain beef at, which can be purchased at moderate prices. 

 This small bay is somewhat exposed to the sea and wind, but its land- 

 ing is safe. It lies in latitude 22° 13' north, and longitude 159° 34' 

 west. Both wood and water can be obtained at this island, but little 

 else, and vessels may readily be supplied with them on a temporary 

 visit ; the natives prefer sending to Oahu to dispose of their products. 

 The supplies derived from Kauai are very considerable. 



NIIHAU. 



Niihau is distant from the western part of Kauai (Kolo Point), 12 

 miles, and is divided from it by the Kaulaka Passage. This island 

 lies northeast and southwest, 20 miles in length by 7 in width : it is 

 of volcanic formation, and at first appears almost a barren rock, 

 having little or no wood upon it. When compared with the other 

 islands of the group it may be called low. It is remarkable for its 

 yams and fruits, which come here to great perfection. At times 

 there is a great scarcity of water on the island, rendering the cul- 

 tivation difficult. Formerly, ships were in the habit of calling off the 



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