Captain James Cook was the first European to discover the Hawaiian Islands during his third voyage across the Pacific in 1778. His arrival marked a significant moment in the history of Hawaii as it opened the islands to European exploration and influence. Cook's encounters with the native Hawaiian population were transformative, although they also led to profound changes in their society and culture due to subsequent encounters with other Europeans. His discovery is often celebrated but also reflects the complexities of colonialism and the impact on indigenous peoples.