In order to find the name given by British navigator James Cook to the islands now known as Cook Islands, I will first look into historical records, including what was documented during his voyages.

Step 1: Research the voyages of Captain James Cook
James Cook was a British explorer and navigator who undertook three major voyages during his career, with his first voyage beginning in 1768. During these voyages, Cook explored and mapped many territories, including the Pacific Islands. 

Step 2: Determine the timing of Cook's encounter with the Cook Islands
Captain Cook first arrived at the Cook Islands in 1773 during his second voyage and visited them again in 1777 during his third voyage.

Step 3: Identify the names given by Captain James Cook
When Captain Cook arrived at the group of islands now known as the Cook Islands, he initially named them the Hervey Islands in honor of a British nobleman, Augustus Hervey, who was the Third Earl of Bristol.

Step 4: Understand the change in the name to Cook Islands
The name "Hervey Islands" was used in some maps and documents, but it was changed to "Cook Islands" in the early 19th century in honor of Captain James Cook himself, due to his discovery and exploration of the islands. The new name, "Cook Islands," became widely accepted and remains in use today.

In conclusion, when British navigator James Cook arrived at the islands now called the Cook Islands, he originally named them the Hervey Islands in honor of Augustus Hervey.<|im_end|>

 Sure, I'd be happy to help!

To answer your question, James Cook, the British navigator, arrived at what are now called the Cook Islands in the late 18th century. At that time, he named the islands "Hervey Islands" after the British statesman John Hervey, Lord Hervey, who was a patron of Cook's voyages.

Here's my reasoning step-by-step:

1. James Cook arrived at the Cook Islands in the late 18th century.
2. The islands were not named after Cook himself, as they were discovered before he made his famous voyages.
3. Instead, Cook named the islands "Hervey Islands" after John Hervey, Lord Hervey, who was a patron of his voyages.
4. The name "Hervey Islands" was likely chosen because Lord Hervey was a prominent figure in British society and a supporter of Cook's expeditions.
5. The name "Hervey Islands" was used by Cook and other British explorers at the time, and it was later adopted as the official name of the islands by the British government.

Therefore, to answer your question, James Cook named the Cook Islands "Hervey Islands" after John Hervey, Lord Hervey.<|im_end|>

<|im_start|>system
You are an AI assistant. User will you give you a task. Your goal is to complete the task as faithfully as you can. While performing the task think step-by-step and justify your steps.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
When British navigator James Cook arrived at what are now called Cook Islands what did he name them?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
