Best Seller Old Nautical Map Of Hawaii By Anonymous, 1850: Honolulu, Kailua Bay, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hms Swift Set [ajfotIK3]

The "Early Hand Drawn Map of the Hawaiian Islands" from 1850 is a captivating glimpse into the maritime history of the Pacific. Crafted by an anonymous hand, possibly an officer under Commander William Cornwallis Aldham, this map captures the intricate dance of exploration and commerce that defined the mid-19th century. The map not only serves as a nautical chart but also reveals remarkable topographical details, highlighting the volcanic peaks of Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Kilauea. These towering landmarks, visible from the sea, were crucial navigational aids for sailors of the era.

This exquisite chart traces the routes of the HMS Swift, a packet brig that traversed the Pacific under the command of Aldham. The map meticulously documents the ship’s journeys, weaving through the islands and beyond, to places like Tahiti and Valparaiso. Each route is a testament to the strategic importance of the Hawaiian Islands as a hub of global maritime trade and exploration. The map’s inclusion of sailing routes underscores the vibrant exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures that flowed through these waters.

The detailed insets of Honolulu Harbor and Kailua Bay provide a window into the bustling maritime activity of the time. Honolulu Harbor is depicted with sounding depths, tidal information, and the layout of the village, offering a vivid portrayal of a port teeming with life. Kailua Bay, with its labeled buildings such as the Royal Magazine and the Royal Timber Yard, reflects the significance of these anchorages in the Hawaiian monarchy and early shipping routes. These insets are based on earlier surveys, blending historical accuracy with artistic precision.

The map also presents a fascinating comparison of the names given to the Hawaiian Islands by Captain Cook and those used by missionaries, highlighting the cultural intersections of navigation and Christianity. This feature, along with the map’s overall design, reflects the intricate web of European interaction with the Hawaiian people. The manuscript’s resemblance to Admiralty chart 1510 and its predecessors speaks to the evolving cartographic understanding of the region, shaped by explorers like Cook, Vancouver, and Duperrey.

As a rare manuscript chart, this map is a valuable artifact of historical significance. It embodies the pivotal role of the Hawaiian Islands in 19th-century global commerce and politics, as ships from around the world converged on its shores. The map’s artistry and detail offer a compelling narrative of exploration, making it a treasured piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

Cities and towns on this map

• Hawaii:
• Honolulu
• Kailua (Kailua Bay)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• Honolulu Harbor
• Kailua Bay
• Landmarks:
• Mowna Roa (Mauna Loa)
• Mowna Kea (Mauna Kea)
• Mowna Huari (Hualalai)
• Kilaunoa (Kilauea)
• Mowna Haleakala
• Bodies of water:
• Various harbors and bays
• Other features:
• Sailing routes of the HMS Swift

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1850
• Mapmaker or publisher: Anonymous, possibly one of Commander William Cornwallis Aldham’s officers
• Themes and topics:
• Nautical chart with topographical details
• Includes active volcanoes and river networks
• Comparison of Cook's and missionaries' names for the islands
• Design or style: Manuscript chart with insets for detailed harbor views
• Historical significance:
• Reflects mid-19th century navigation and hydrography
• Shows involvement in global commerce and politics
• Regions shown: Hawaiian Islands

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.