Cook Landing Site (Waimea) that the land has actually grown since 1778 due to deposition of sediment, so the exact spot is unknown. A small plaque was erected by Kauai County in 1928 which maintains a small county park. The landing site is accessible via Lucy Wright Park. Across the river Russian Fort Elizabeth is preserved in a state park. Cook Landing Site (Waimea) The Cook Landing Site in Waimea on Kauai island in Hawaii, is where Captain James Cook landed at the mouth of the Waimea River on January 20, 1778. Cook was the first European reported to have sighted the Hawaiian Islands,
Ruapuke Island Ruapuke Island Ruapuke Island is one of the southernmost islands in New Zealand's main chain of islands. It lies to the southeast of Bluff and northeast of Oban on Stewart Island/Rakiura. It was named "Bench Island" upon its European discovery by Captain James Cook in 1770, but has rarely been known by any other name than its Māori name, which means "two hills". The island covers an area of about . It guards the eastern end of Foveaux Strait. The island formerly had a Māori population of 200. Notable Māori inhabitants included Kai Tahu chief Tūhawaiki and John Topi Patuki,