#meanwhile ...On Valentine's Day a few years ago : On 14 February 1779, English explorer Captain James Cook attempted to kidnap Kalaniʻōpuʻu, the ruling chief (aliʻi nui) of the island of Hawaii, after the native Hawaiians had stolen a longboat from Cook's expedition. As Cook attempted to take the chief to his ship, they were confronted by a crowd of Hawaiians at Kealakekua Bay, seeking to rescue their hostage. The ensuing battle killed Cook and several Royal Marines, as well as several Hawaiians. Kalaniʻōpuʻu survived the exchange. The event is also known as the Battle of Kealakekua Bay.