PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
231 
obtaining a sight of the celebrated Mouna Eoa ; but the weather was so CHAP, 
unfavourable for this purpose, that the land at the foot of the hills was 
the only part of the coast which presented itself to our view. On the May, 
1 8th, we passed about thirty miles to windward of the eastern points of the ' 
island ; and in the afternoon of the following day, as it was too late to 
fetch the anchorage off W oahoo, we rounded to under the lee ofMorotoi, 
the next island. The following morning we came to an anchor in 
nineteen fathoms outside the reefs of Honoruru, the principal port of the 
Sandwich Islands, and the residence of the king. This anchorage is very 
niuch exposed, and during the N. W. monsoon, unsafe ; but as there is 
great difficulty attending a large ship going in and out of the harbour. 
It is the general stopping place of such vessels as make but a short stay 
at the island. 
Our passage from Otaheite to this place had been so rapid, that the 
contrast between the two countries was particularly striking. At 
Woahoo, the eye searches in vain for the green and shady forests 
skirting the shore, which enliven the scene at Otaheite. The whole 
country has a parched and comparatively barren aspect ; and it is not 
Until the heights are gained, and the extensive ranges of taro planta- 
tions are seen filling every valley, that strangers learn why this island 
Was distinguished by the name of the garden of the Sandwich Islands. 
The difference between the appearance of the natives of Woahoo 
3^nd Otaheite is not less conspicuous than that of the scenery. Constant 
exposure to the sun has given them a dark complexion and a coarse- 
ness of feature which do not exist in the Society Islands, and their 
Countenances moreover have a wildness of expression which at first 
niisleads the eye; but this very soon wears off, and I am not sure 
whether this manliness of character does not create a respect which 
the effeminacy of the Otaheitans never inspires. 
As we rowed up the harbour, the forts, the cannon, and the ensign 
of the Tamahamaha, displayed upon the ramparts of a fort mounting 
h>rty guns, and at the gaff' of a man-of-war brig, and of some other 
Vessels, rendered the distinction between the two countries still more 
evident ; and on landing, the marked attention to etiquette and the 
