oahu was perhaps the first of the hawaiian islands which the crew of "hms resolution" saw on 18 january 1778. this was during captain james cook's third pacific ocean trip. europeans did not land on oahu until 28 february 1779 when captain clerke of the "hms resolution" stepped ashore at waimea bay. clerke took command of the ship after captain cook was killed at kealakekua bay on february 14.