Waimea - Cook Monument Attractions

Hawaii's modern history began at Waimea on the south coast of Kauai. Captain James Cook and his expedition sailed into Waimea Bay on board the two ships "Resolution" and "Discovery" and dropped anchor. Today, a memorial honoring the discoverer of Hawaii marks almost the very spot where Cook first set foot on Hawaiian soil (it cannot be missed on road 50, Waimea's Main Street).

Present day Waimea is a large village of about 1600 inhabitants. Historically an important seat of government for the early kings (like Waialua on the east coast), it is also one of Kauai's three ports together with Hanalei and Poipu-Koloa.