THROUGH HAWAII. 
387 
According to the number of houses which we have 
seen, in all 265, there are at least 1325 inhabitants in 
this sequestered valley, besides populous villages on 
each side along the coast, which might be easily visited. 
This circumstance, together with the fertility of the 
soil, the abundance of water, the facility with which, 
at most seasons of the year, supplies can be for¬ 
warded by water from Kairua or Towaihae, com¬ 
bine to render this an eligible spot for a missionary 
station; but notwithstanding all these favourable cir¬ 
cumstances, together with the great desire of the people 
to be instructed in the important principles of Chris¬ 
tianity, it is much to be feared that, unless the funds 
of the Parent Societies are increased, this inviting field, 
as well as several others, must long remain destitute 
of moral culture. 
The valley of Waipio is a place frequently celebrated 
in the songs and traditions of Hawaii, as having been 
the abode of Akea and Miru, the first kings of the 
island; of Umi and Riroa, kings who make a promi¬ 
nent figure in their history. It is also noted as the 
residence of HoaJcau, king of this part of the island, 
who appears to have been one of the Neros of the 
Sandwich Islands, and whose memory is execrable 
among the people, on account of his cruelties; and of 
whom it is reported, that if a man was said to have a 
fine-looking head, he would send his servants to behead 
the individual, and bring his head before him, when he 
would wantonly cut, and otherwise disfigure it. He is 
said also to have ordered a man’s arm to be cut off, 
and brought to him, only because it was tataued in a 
manner more handsome than his own. 
An interesting conversation was carried on this even- 
