Frequently visited by canoes with supplies. Anchors at Kealakekua Bay. Provisions ships and meets inhabitants who appear friendly and seem to reverence him. Feb. 1 Mon. William Watman, seaman, dies of a stroke and is buried near a chief's burial place.
Ships sail north to investigate islands.
Off Kawaihae Bay. Anchors in Bay. Cook along with Marines, Corporal Thomas, Privates Hinks, Allen and Fatchett are killed ashore near village of Kaawaloa, about 9 a.m. Confusion, musket fire and mis-interpreted signals led to the tragedy and the resulting contemporary confusion of accounts and paintings of the scene. Clerke assumes command of Resolution and the voyage and Gore takes over the Discovery.