The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1859-02-17
NOTES
OF A TRIP TO THE VOLCANO.

LAHAINA, feDruary D.
We embarked from Honolulu in the fine
schooner Kanaoi, which had been laid on as the
first packet for the scene of the eruption. Our
anticipated crowd of sight-seers, eager to visit
Hawaii, had unfortunately dwindled down, at
the hour of starting, to the beggarly number
of six, including one female. Still, we were
to push on, and, like a band OF
faithful pioneer d~evotees, perform our pilgrimage
to the shrine of the goddess Pele, who was repre-
sented as having her wrath stirred up to its high
est point.
Honolulu is the queerest place there is in
Christendom. Judging from the enthusiasm of
the people, after the news of the eruption was
received, and their eagerness to witness it, the
largest vessel in port would not all
who would go. Even the Frances Palmer, which
was talked of for the excursion, was thought too
small. A thousand ton clipper alone would
satisfy the demand. But the "eruptive fever"
like many other contagious maladies, had a short
run, and before the Kdmoi cast off her hawsers,
the half dozen who had the face to start of for
the volcano, were looked at as a set of fool-hardy
enthusiasts. This ebullient, Facilitating tempera-
ment of many of our people is too characteristic
of them. We need more firm determination to
succeed in any undertaking, whether it be a mere
visit to Pele or the introduction of steamers.
But to return to our voyage. A short and not
rough trip of eleven hours, under a light north
wind, found us lying-to off Lahaina, and with the
first break of day, we dropped our anchor in the
roads. A cordial welcome on the beach and a
hearty breakfast at So Seaside Cottage" dissipated
whatever in-humor had been stirred In mid chan
mel. Here we found the IS fever prevailing like
an epidemic, and some ten residents, or in other
words, half Of this quiet town, are ready to en-
bark with us. Our number is now 50 increased
US to make it comparatively sociable. Lahaina
is proverbial for the hospitality of its residents,
and the cordiality with which they greet stran-
gers. Formerly, there was noticeable a spirit Of
sharp rivalry and animosity existing among them,
which made visitors feel a strange uneasiness
now it is happily the very reverse. But we are
bound for the volcano, and there is no time to be
lost, SO after an early dinner now awaiting us,
and with a fair breeze, we shall set sail again.
On BOARD, Feb. A.
As l anticipated, our company has gained
wonderfully in hilarity since weighing anchor,
and when it is only limited that the humorous
Abram and the former well-known captain of the
favorite schooner are in the crowd, all who know
them, know also that there's fun ahead. The
discovery by the former of the young moon,''
scarce twelve hours old, with a rim as thin as an
orange peel, was among the first made after the sun
had set, and when all eyes were looking for some
thing like hope deferred. Next appeared the
first glow of the volcano, like a ball of fire on the
side of Mauna Loa, a few degrees above the
horizon then, as it grew darker, appeared the
fiery stream, flowing apparently to the sea. As
we approached the island towards morning, the
scene became more and more exciting. Two
streams of blood-red, fiery hue, poured down,
like a torrent, apparently leaping over p~recipices.
All on board are satisfied that enough remains of
the eruption to crafty the anticipations of the
most eager. With the break of day, the light of
the Volcano disappeared, and clouds of smoke
alone could be seen, hanging over Mauna Loa.
On passing Kawaihae Bay, an immense cloud
of vapor or steam was seen ascending from the
shore, which subsequently proved to be at Wal
nanalii, the place where the lava entered the
sea, after flowing a distance of thirty-eight or
forty miles. The stream near the sea has ceased
to flow. and has become SO cooled that it can be
crossed without danger. The track of the lava
is through a barren and waste district, COW
cred in some places with stunted shrubs and tufts
of grass.
KAILUA, Feb 4.
Soon after noon our schooner came to anchor
in this smooth and pleasant harbor. A boat was
sent on shore to learn the best place to start for
the volcano, and returned with the word that no
better place could be had than this, and that the
stream could be reached with an easy ride of a
few hours over q good road. Our passengers
were soon landed, and found lodgings for the
night in various quarters, most of the party occu-
plying Kapeau's large dwelling on the beach.
Arrangements for an early start the next morn
ing were Immediately made, with orders for a
supply of horses to be brought in from the coun-
try.