Who made the first documented western contact with Hawaii?

The first documented western contact with Hawaii was made by British Captain James Cook in 1778. Cook's voyages were significant not only for their exploration of the Pacific but also for their impact on the islands he encountered. His arrival marked the beginning of significant changes for the indigenous Hawaiian people, as it opened the islands to further exploration and eventual commercialization by European and American interests.

James Cook was known for his ability to chart previously uncharted territories, and his contact with Hawaii was part of his third voyage of exploration. He documented his experiences in detail, which provide valuable historical accounts of Hawaiian culture and society at the time of his arrival. This encounter led to increased interest in the islands, eventually resulting in a complex and often challenging exchange between western settlers and the native population.

The other individuals listed are not associated with early exploration of Hawaii. Notably, Henry Hudson is known for his explorations in the Arctic and North America, James T. Cook is not a recognized historical figure in this context, and John Smith is more famously associated with the early colonization of Virginia than with Hawaii. Thus, Captain James Cook stands out as the key figure in the documented first contact with the islands.