Culture Clash

Valentine's Day is not always for lovers. There was at least one time when it marked an event that meant, "Leave Me Alone!" It is always dangerous to blunder into another society expecting a great welcome when you know nothing about the people. The initial meeting may be pleasant, but ignorance can turn to death very rapidly leaving a huge mess for others to clean up afterwards through negotiation and diplomacy.

In the case of Cook and the Hawaiians, you might say things turned out well once they had been invaded, their culture destroyed, their numbers decreased through disease, their wealth stolen, and the Islands turned into a western society paradise overrun with tourists. Others might think that this wasn't an improvement. As always, those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.

The Death of Captain Cook

Captain Cook Society


Aloha `Oe
words and music by Queen Lili`uokalani

Proudly swept the rain by the cliffs
As it glided through the trees
Still following ever the bud
The `ahihi lehua of the vale
Ha`aheo ka ua i nâ pali
Ke nihi a`ela i ka nahele
E hahai (uhai) ana paha i ka liko
Pua `âhihi lehua o uka

Chorus:

Farewell to you, farewell to you
The charming one who dwells in the shaded bowers
One fond embrace,
'Ere I depart
Until we meet again
Aloha `oe, aloha `oe
E ke onaona noho i ka lipo
One fond embrace,
A ho`i a`e auUntil we meet again

Sweet memories come back to me
Bringing fresh remembrances
Of the past
Dearest one, yes, you are mine own
From you, true love shall never depart
`O ka hali`a aloha i hiki mai
Ke hone a`e nei i
Ku`u manawa`
O `oe nô ka`u ipo alohaA loko e hana nei

Chorus

I have seen and watched your loveliness
The sweet rose of Maunawili
And 'tis there the birds of love dwell
And sip the honey from your lips
Maopopo ku`u `ike i ka nani
Nâ pua rose o Maunawili
I laila hia`ia nâ manu
Miki`ala i ka nani o ka lipo

Chorus