Captain Vancouver Landing Site on Maui facts for kids

The Captain Vancouver Landing Site is a special spot on the south shore of Maui, Hawaii. It marks where Captain George Vancouver supposedly landed a long time ago. When he visited, this area was home to small fishing villages. It was also a favorite place for Hawaiian royalty to relax.

Even though Captain Vancouver wasn't the very first European to visit Maui, a monument was built here to remember his visit. This monument was once a large totem pole. Today, you can still see parts of it on the south Kihei shore. It even has words from the Canadian Prime Minister from 1969.

This inscription from 1969 welcomes visitors with "Aloha and kla-how-ya" (a greeting from the Pacific Northwest). It honors Captain George Vancouver and wishes for the "Kla-How-Ya spirit" and "aloha welcome" to always thrive here. It was signed by Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, on December 22, 1969.

Captain Vancouver's Visits to Hawaii

Captain George Vancouver was an important British explorer. He is famous for exploring the Pacific Northwest, where the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, is named after him. His first trips to Hawaii were as a young officer on Captain James Cook's famous expeditions.

Building Friendship with Kamehameha I

From 1792 to 1794, Captain Vancouver and Kamehameha I became good friends. Kamehameha I was the chief who would later unite the Hawaiian Islands. This friendship helped Kamehameha become a powerful leader.

New Animals and Plants for Hawaii

Ancient Hawaii did not have large land mammals like cows. But in 1793, Captain Vancouver gave some cattle to Kamehameha. This gift was a big deal! It started animal farming in Hawaii and led to a strong tradition of cowboy life and ranching. You can still see this ranch culture on many ranches across Hawaii today.

According to the monument, Vancouver also brought the first root vegetables to Hawaii in 1793.

This marker mentions Captain George Vancouver's visit to Maalaea Bay in 1792. It states that in 1793, he brought the first cattle and root vegetables. It also says that in 1794, he allowed Hawaiians to use the Union Jack as part of their flag.

The Hawaiian Flag and the Union Jack

In 1794, Captain Vancouver gave the Hawaiian people permission to use the British Union Jack flag. This flag became part of the design of the Hawaiian flag. It was a symbol of the close relationship between Hawaii and Great Britain at that time.

Is This the Real Landing Site?

The monument in Kihei/Ma'alaea was put up in 1969. However, it's not completely certain if this is the exact spot where Captain Vancouver landed.

What Historical Records Say

The best historical sources say that Vancouver's ships sailed into Maalaea Bay. But they don't clearly state if he actually stepped ashore right at this spot. For example, a historical journal from 1989 mentions that in March 1793, Vancouver's ships entered Maui waters. They sailed along the south side and then up the east coast to Ma'alaea Bay. There, Kamohomoho, a brother of the Maui ruler, came aboard to guide the British ships to a safe place in Lahaina.

The Marker Today

The monument itself is a bit worn down. This might suggest that it's not officially recognized by historical groups or the state government. Also, the marker says Vancouver brought "root vegetables" to the islands. However, taro, a common root vegetable, was already grown in Hawaii long before Vancouver's visits.

Even with these questions, this marker is still important. It helps us remember Captain Vancouver's journey to these waters and his connection to Hawaii's history.

Images for kids

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  The monument marking Captain Vancouver's supposed landing site in Kihei, Maui.

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  A view of the Captain Vancouver Landing Site monument.

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  Close-up of an inscription on the Vancouver Monument.

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  Another inscription found at the Vancouver Landing Site.