" At daybreak this morning we sighted high land to the north.” Cook’s expedition had stumbled upon a mysterious lost land that was to be of immense value to the world. Light baffling airs prevented the ships from closing with the land that day , but it was obvious that this land was two large mountainous islands. Early the following morning they closed with the larger of the islands and were soon met by islanders who obviously had not seen ships before. Although the islanders were too afraid to come aboard , it was soon obvious that they spoke a language similar to that of Tahiti and a rapport was soon established. Nails were traded for fish and island produce and as the Resolution and Discovery made their way slowly along the southern shore of what we know today as Kauai, they were met by increasing numbers of canoes and throngs that followed along the shore. Besides language, it was apparent to Cook and his officers that although these people with their tattoos, tapa cloth and appearances were obviously related to the people of Tahiti , they had no knowledge of Tahiti. This mysterious place was truly a lost land with a lost and forgotten people. It wasn't until they reached the village of Waimea and its river, that Cook’s ships could find a safe anchorage. From this base at the Waimea River mouth, Cook was able to learn and ponder over this discovery. On his visits ashore he was treated in a godlike fashion and shown the same friendly hospitality he had found in Tahiti. From frequent talks he was to learn that to the east there were more islands similar to what Cook was to name Atooi (Kauai) .