S1-E48: Nomuka: Captain Cook's Wrath

In June 1774, off the shores of present-day Tonga, the HMS Resolution glides between reefs and low coral islands, welcomed with fruit, laughter, and chants of “Wòa”—friend. But beneath the surface of peaceful trade, misunderstandings fester. One stolen hatchet becomes the spark for a violent clash, testing the limits of trust between Europeans and Polynesians.

**Pomelos and Powder Smoke: Tensions in the Friendly Islands – https://youtu.be/0paEQFYkffg**

On the island of Nomuka—once called Rotterdam by Tasman—Captain Cook and his crew are met by skilled navigators and savvy traders, eager to exchange yams, pigs, and even cooked fish for glass beads and nails. Inland, a lush world unfolds: flowering trees, lily-covered ponds, and salt lakes filled with birds. But when a musket disappears and an axe goes missing, Captain Cook responds with force—wounding a man and firing cannons into the island hills.

Nomuka Island

Stranded alone, ship’s surgeon Mr. Patton survives a frightening standoff with a crowd, only to be rescued by the quiet courage of a young island woman. As day turns to dusk, peace offerings are made and dogs are gifted as goodwill ambassadors. Yet the scars of the encounter remain—etched between pomelo rinds and powder smoke.