Abstract
The Cook Landing Site (the beach at Waimea) was the spot where Captain James Cook, the first European known to have sighted the Hawaiian Islands, made his initial landing upon island soil on January 20, 1778. The sandy beach now has a national historic landmark plaque displayed on a pedestal in the extreme east corner of that portion near the river embankment. Due to large environmental changes, the landmark must be understood as a commemorative site where Cook’s expedition’s activities first took place, in addition to the start of Western civilization influencing the native culture and population.
The Cook Landing Site (the beach at Waimea) was the spot where Captain James Cook, the first European known to have sighted the Hawaiian Islands, made his initial landing upon island soil on January 20, 1778. The sandy beach now has a national historic landmark plaque displayed on a pedestal in the extreme east corner of that portion near the river embankment. Due to large environmental changes, the landmark must be understood as a commemorative site where Cook’s expedition’s activities first took place, in addition to the start of Western civilization influencing the native culture and population.
This list of Hawaii’s historic properties is provided as a public service by Historic Hawaii Foundation. It is not the official list of properties designated on the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places. For official designations and determinations of eligibility, contact the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources of the State of Hawaii at 808-692-8015.