ORIGIN. 
427 
CHAP. XVI. 
Traditions respecting the origin of the islanders—Mar¬ 
riage among the natives—Account of foreigners who 
visited the Sandwich islands before they were dis¬ 
covered by Captain Cook—Preaching at Kairua—Tra¬ 
ditions of a deluge—Visit to Maui—Memoir of the late 
king and queen of the islands—Notice of Boki, their 
principal attendant—Return to Oahu. 
The time which I spent at Kairua was chiefly- 
occupied in conversation with the governor, on the 
history and traditions of the island; the advantages 
of instruction; and the blessings which the gene¬ 
ral adoption of Christianity would confer on the 
people. On this latter subject, the governor uni¬ 
formly expressed his conviction of its utility; and 
said, he had therefore sent a messenger round 
among the people, requesting them to renounce 
their former evil practices, and keep the Sabbath 
according to the direction of the word of God. 
Adjacent to the governor's house stand the ruins 
of Ahuena, an ancient heiau, where the war-god 
was often kept, and human sacrifices offered. 
Since the abolition of idolatry, the governor has 
converted it into a fort, has widened the stone 
wall next the sea, and placed upon it a number of 
cannon. The idols are all destroyed, excepting 
