Where did James Cook anchor in Hawaii?

James Cook anchored in Hawaii primarily at Waimea Bay on the island of Kauai during his first voyage to the Hawaiian Islands in 1778. This location was significant as it marked the British explorer's initial contact with the islands, where he created a pivotal interaction between European explorers and the native Hawaiian population.

Waimea Bay, known for its beautiful scenery and rich history, provided Cook with an opportunity to replenish his supplies and assess the islands' potential, leading to further exploration of the Hawaiian archipelago. The geographic and strategic importance of Waimea Bay, along with its deep anchorage, made it an ideal spot for Cook and his crew, setting the stage for subsequent visits to other Hawaiian islands later on in his voyages.

While other locations like Honolulu, Maui, and Hilo are also associated with Hawaii's history, they were not the specific site where Cook first made landfall in the islands during this voyage.