Cook Landing Site

A National Historic Landmark at the mouth of the Waimea River on Kauai, marking where Captain James Cook first came ashore in Hawaii in 1778.

Waimea, HI

About Cook Landing Site

This historic site on Kauai's southwest coast recognizes the spot near the Waimea River mouth where Captain James Cook landed on January 20, 1778, his first arrival on Hawaiian soil. The NPS notes that Cook's contact opened the islands to outside influences, while his detailed records about the local ecology and people also preserved important history. The exact landing point is uncertain because tides, sand shifts, a stone wall, and a breakwater have changed the beach over time. The landing is mainly commemorated at Hofgaard Park, a small county park near the supposed landing area, and the site sits across from Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historic Park.

#national historic landmark
#captain cook
#european contact
#hawaiian history
#kauai

What's around here?

The closest stops to Cook Landing Site, ordered by straight-line distance.

Sports & Outdoors
Iconic
Waimea Canyon State Park
Under $25
Drive up from Waimea to the main lookout over Kauaʻi's colorful, 3,000-foot-deep Waimea Canyon.
8.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Sports & Outdoors
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Check prices
Hawaii-based nonprofit running several tropical botanical gardens and preserves focused on plant research, conservation, and education.
10 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Sports & Outdoors
Polihale State Park
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A remote, wild beach park on Kauaʻi's western coast, reached by a long unpaved road and backed by dunes and sea cliffs.
11 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Sports & Outdoors
Allerton Garden
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Garden on Kauai's south shore shaped by Robert and John Gregg Allerton, reached by guided tour and shuttle.
12 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Sports & Outdoors
Kōkeʻe State Park
Under $25
Forested state park on Kauaʻi offering high overlooks of Kalalau Valley, native-forest hiking, and camping by permit.
12 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Sports & Outdoors
McBryde Garden
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Self-guided tropical garden on Kauai's south shore, known for its large Hawaiian native plant collection and a breadfruit agroforest.
13 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors