British navigator James Cook discovered and charted New Zealand and Australia's Great
Barrier Reef on his ship Endeavor, and later disproved the existence of the fabled southern continent Terra Australis. His voyages provided the first accurate map of the Pacific. Cook, Britain's greatest navigator, was 51 years old at his death. After the skirmish, a truce was declared, communication was resumed and the damaged mast was repaired. After the British requested the return of Cook's remains, the Hawaiians returned personal effects and part of Cook's body.

The Resolution and Discovery left Hawai'i February 22, 1779 under the command of Captain Charles Clerke and Captain James King.