James Cook was brutally murdered in Hawaii

At Kealakekua Bay, disputes between Europeans and Hawaiians erupted as tensions increased. Under Cook's orders, wood was stolen from a cemetery. Unknown Hawaiians also stole one of Cook's small boats. The villagers had turned "insolent" the night the cutter was captured, even making threats to fire against them. He went ashore and attempted to kidnap King Kalani'pu'u, but the Hawaiians feared for their leader's life and flocked to his defense.

Cook's ship, Discovery, opened fire with its cannons on another group of Hawaiians, which caused the explorer to get terrified and shoot a rifle before running away to a waiting boat. He didn't travel very far before being clubbed and pelted with stones. Then a Hawaiian warrior produced a weapon and stabbed him in the back. Cook was repeatedly stabbed and hit with rocks after falling into the surf. Along with Corporal James Thomas, Private Theophilus Hinks, Private Thomas Fatchett, and Private John Allen, two other marines were hurt and Cook is dead during the brawl. His body was moved by the Hawaiians toward the town's rear, but the ship could still see it through their spyglass.