It is certain that they were acquainted with iron long before the arrival of Cook, as is proved by the already cited passage from an old romance: _O luna, o lalo, kai, o uka, a o ka hao pae, ko ke'lii_.
Umi, some time before his death, said to his old friend Koi: "There is no place, nor is there any possible way to conceal my bones.

You must disappear from my presence.

I am going to take back all the lands which I have given you around Hawaii, and they will think you in disgrace.

You will then withdraw to another island, and as soon as you hear of my death, or only that I am dangerously sick, return secretly to take away my body." Koi executed the wishes of the chief, his _aikane_.

He repaired to Molokai, whence he hastened to set sail for Hawaii as soon as he heard of Umi's death.