Misc. Ramblings

Christmas in Hawai'i was celebrated for the first time eight years after Captain James Cook first came to the islands.

This first Hawai'i Noel was held in 1786 aboard the British ship, Queen Charlotte, as it lay anchored in Waimea Bay, Kaua'i, the same bay were Captain Cook made his first landing. To treat his crew to a Christmas dinner, Captain George Dixon ordered a pig from the village on shore, had it roasted, and then, in the spirit of the season, concocted Hawaii's first exotic drink by mixing an extra ration of the crew's grog with some coconut milk.

The crew of Queen Charlotte's companion ship, King George, went ashore and played Santa Claus, distributing small gifts to the people of Waimea.

Though they knew nothing about the significance of the day, the Hawaiians, with their traditional generosity, rose to the occasion. Chief Tyaana, aboard a long double hull canoe, visited Captain Nathanial Portlock, skipper of the King George, bringing him a present of some hogs and vegetables. Captain Portlock returned the gesture, which pleased the Chief very much. It was the first exchange of Christmas gifts in Hawai'i.