Olowalu Massacre facts for kids

The Olowalu Massacre was a tragic event that took place in 1790 on the island of Maui in Hawaii. It involved an American sea captain named Simon Metcalfe and the people of Olowalu village. This event led to the deaths of about one hundred Hawaiians. It also had a big impact on the relationship between Hawaiians and foreign visitors.

Captain Metcalfe's Journey

In 1789, Captain Simon Metcalfe began a journey to trade furs by sea. He had two ships: the large Eleanora and a smaller boat called the  Fair American. The Fair American was commanded by his son, Thomas Humphrey Metcalfe.

The Fair American was briefly captured by the Spanish. But it was quickly released. The Metcalfes had planned to meet up in the Hawaiian Islands at Kealakekua Bay.

Events Leading to the Massacre

The Eleanora arrived in Hawaii by January 1790. A Hawaiian chief named Kameeiamoku boarded the ship to welcome them. However, Captain Metcalfe became angry with the chief. He had the chief punished harshly, which would have serious results later.

The Eleanora then sailed north to the island of Maui. There, Captain Metcalfe planned to trade and get supplies. One night, a small boat was stolen from his ship. The person guarding the boat was also killed.

Captain Metcalfe fired his cannons into the nearby village. He captured some Hawaiians. They told him that people from the village of Olowalu had taken the boat.

The Olowalu Attack

Captain Metcalfe sailed to Olowalu. He found that the stolen boat had been broken apart. Its nails were taken. Nails were very valuable in ancient Hawaii. This was because Hawaiians did not have the technology to make metal themselves.

Metcalfe then invited the villagers to meet his ship. He made it seem like he wanted to trade with them. But he had a secret plan. He had all his cannons loaded and ready. He aimed them at the side of the ship where he told the canoes to approach.

When the Hawaiian canoes were close, Metcalfe's crew opened fire. This sudden attack killed about one hundred Hawaiians. Many others were also hurt.

Aftermath and Consequences

About five or six weeks later, the Fair American arrived at the Island of Hawaiʻi. Chief Kameʻeiamoku, who Metcalfe had punished, was waiting there. The small crew of the Fair American was easily captured. Four crew members were killed, including Thomas Metcalfe, Captain Simon Metcalfe's son.

The only survivor was a sailor named Isaac Davis. King Kamehameha I learned about this event. Another sailor, John Young, was also captured by Kamehameha's men. Young had come ashore from the Eleanora to ask about the Fair American.

King Kamehameha I decided to let Davis and Young live. They became important military advisors for him. They helped him in his future battles and discussions with other visitors. The guns from the Fair American were saved. The ship was made ready to sail again. Captain Simon Metcalfe eventually left the island. He never knew that his own actions had led to his son's death.

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  Olowalu, Maui