1832.] 
SANDWICH ISLANDS. 
411 
rounded by thick groves, at the foot of two high peaks. Up to 
these we rode, through a narrow .ravine. On reaching the sum- 
mit, one of the most subHme prospects that can be imagined 
presented itself. The mountains here appear to break off abruptly, 
and you stand at the very extremity,* while, nearly a thousand 
feet perpendicularly below, spreads out a splendid plain of many 
miles in circumference. There heaves the ocean, in all its sub- 
limity ; and far, far beyond, rises the light blue form of some 
beautiful sea-girt island. 
From this immense height, the panic-struck enemies of the 
victorious Tamehameha were compelled to leap, in order to escape 
the enraged victors, and perished in their fall, by being dashed to 
pieces on the rocks below ! It was an awful reflection — not one 
escaped ! Although the side is almost perpendicular to appear- 
ance, the natives from below sometimes ascend the mountain. 
The valley below is that of the Par^. 
After having gazed upon and enjoyed this glorious prospect, 
and the freshness of a delightful Seabreeze, our delighted party 
repaired to the dining, spot. On the beautiful greensward were 
erected four or five temporary huts, constructed of the boughs of 
trees, recently cut, and thatched with grass. Under one of con- 
siderable length was the table already spread ; others were occu- 
pied by several ladies of the royal family, to whom each paid his 
respects on dismounting, and was received by them, seated on 
the grass, and treated with wreaths of evergreens and flowers. 
Here and there lay scattered, over the rich green, the kiug and the 
different chiefs and individuals of the party, refreshing themselves 
after their ride. The scene was a most animated one of rural 
■ luxury, and one that will not be soon forgotten'. 
The whole party soon set down to a most abundantly-furnished 
table, loaded with savoury viands, cooked after the native fashion — 
or luaued. At one end was a dog ; which, in order to induce us 
* The battle that decided the fate of Oahu, in the conquests of Tamehameha, and 
was crowned by victory, in which he became sole monarch of the group, was fought in 
the valley leading from Honoruru to this pass. The King Oahu, after a despe- 
rate conflict, fell bravely at the head of his army ; upon which a complete route en- 
suedi One party, of more than three hundred warriors, fled towards this precipice, 
and were pursued so closely, and with such relentless purpose, as to be plunged, 
without an exception, from the tremendous ofiset to the depths below ! 
