Hawaii By Madison O'Brien 300 The first inhabitants of Hawaii arrived. The first Inhabitants of Hawaii may have reached the islands as early as 300CE from the Marquesas islands. Period: 1000 to 1200 The second wave of Polynesian settlers arrives from Tahiti 1778 Captain James Cook arrives in Hawaii landing on Kauai 1779 Cook is killed at Kealakekua This is because he tried to kidnap an important chief. 1790 The battle of Kepaniwai fought between Hawaii and Maui forces