11 June - Captain James Cook and his crew aboard HMS Endeavour encountered the Great Barrier Reef

 

During his first voyage in 1770, Captain James Cook and his crew aboard HMS Endeavour encountered the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of what is now Queensland, Australia. On June 11, 1770, the ship struck a coral outcrop known as the Endeavour Reef, causing damage to the vessel's hull. This incident occurred near the present-day location of Cooktown.

To prevent the ship from sinking, Cook and his crew made temporary repairs by careening the ship (tilting it on its side) in a nearby river while they made further repairs. This allowed them to remove the damaged portion of the ship's structure and patch it up.

Following the incident, Cook and his crew continued their exploration of the east coast of Australia, mapping and charting the coastline. Cook named the area "The Barrier Reef" due to the navigational challenges and hazards it posed to ships.

Although the Endeavour's encounter with the Great Barrier Reef was a significant event during Cook's voyages, it's important to note that Cook himself did not personally run aground on the reef. The ship struck a coral outcrop, and the crew took necessary measures to address the damage and continue their exploration.

 

11 June - King Kamehameha I Day

 

King Kamehameha I Day is a public holiday observed in the U.S. state of Hawaii on June 11th each year. It honors King Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, who was a significant figure in Hawaiian history.

King Kamehameha I was a Hawaiian warrior-chief who unified the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in the late 18th century. He established the Kingdom of Hawaii and became its first monarch. King Kamehameha I is revered for his leadership, strategic abilities, and efforts to bring stability and unity to the islands.

King Kamehameha I Day is celebrated with various events and festivities throughout Hawaii. The main celebration takes place in the capital city of Honolulu, where a grand floral parade called the Kamehameha Day Floral Parade is held. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, hula dancers, and riders dressed in traditional Hawaiian attire. The highlight of the parade is the floral float carrying the statue of King Kamehameha I.

Other activities on King Kamehameha I Day include cultural demonstrations, lei-making contests, Hawaiian music and dance performances, and the display of traditional arts and crafts. The day serves as an opportunity to honor and remember the legacy of King Kamehameha I, his contributions to Hawaiian society, and the cultural heritage of the islands.

It's worth noting that King Kamehameha I Day is a state holiday specific to Hawaii and is not widely observed outside of the state.