A commentary on the 1791 journal of Manuel Quimper Benitez del Pino

Abstract

Since 1778 foreign mariners arrived at the Hawaiian archipelago bringing with them goods, firearms, and new behaviors. Their arrival at the archipelago, during a period of political change, afforded Hawaiian chiefs military advantages. The promise of victory did not cause chiefs to rely solely on the generosity of foreigners, however. Through the 1791 journal of Spanish mariner, Manuel Quimper Benitez del Pino, this thesis aims to shed light on the ways in which Hawaiian chiefs skillfully dealt with foreigners, adapting traditional beliefs and practices to not only obtain desired goods, but to protect themselves and valuable information. Manuel Quimper was the first Spanish naval officer to visit the Hawaiian archipelago and his first-hand, written account, supplemented by other visitor accounts and scholarly sources, helps to elucidate the complexities of Hawaiian politics and religion in the early 1790's