Death of James Cook
On 14 February 1779, English explorer Captain James Cook attempted to kidnap Kalaniʻōpuʻu, the ruling chief (aliʻi nui) of the island of Hawaii, after the native Hawaiians had stolen a longboat from Cook's expedition. As Cook attempted to take the chief to his ship, they were confronted by a crowd of Hawaiians at Kealakekua Bay, seeking to rescue their hostage. The ensuing battle killed Cook and several Royal Marines, as well as several Hawaiians. Kalaniʻōpuʻu survived the exchange.
Resolution and Discovery (detail) by John Cleveley the Younger | |
| Date | 14 February 1779 |
|---|---|
| Location | Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii |
| Cause | Stabbed while attempting to hold the Hawaiian chief for the return of a stolen boat. |
| Participants | Captain James Cook |
| Deaths | Dozens (including Cook) |
Cook and his expedition were the first Europeans to arrive in Hawaii. They were eventually followed by mass migrations of Europeans and Americans to the islands that gave rise to the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the aboriginal monarchy of the islands, by pro-American elements beginning in 1893.