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Papa having fun Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii June 1998

Did I mention that there was a slide on this boat?... Anyway, Kealakekua Bay -- the Path of the Gods -- is the site of the historic Captain Cook Monument. An obelisk marks the spot where Captain James Cook died at the water's edge.

Cook picked a very sacred place and time to make his second landing in Hawaii. At dawn of January 17, 1779 the Hawaiian's were celebrating the makahiki festival, a joyful annual tribute to Lono-i-ka-makahiki, a local god. One of Lono-i-ka- makahiki's symbols was white kapa banners that were flown on crossbars that resembled the sails and mast of Captain Cook's ships. Officers reported that the beaches were lined with some 10,000 curious onlookers and 1000 canoes sailed out to greet them.

Cook was treated like a god. The Hawaiian's lavished him with gifts and had opulent and sacred ceremonies in his honor. In return, Cook gave tours of his ships and presented their Hawaiian host with a flute and violin concert, and a display of fireworks that both fascinated and terrified the natives.