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The History of Cook Islands provides an insight into the tradition and heritage of these islands. Situated in the South Pacific Ocean between Fiji and the French Polynesia, the Cook Islands feature a group of exotic islands forming a spectacular location for the holiday-goers. The History of Cook Islands dates back to the 6th century A.D.

The first settlement of the Cook Islands includes the Polynesians who migrated from Tahiti. During the late 16th century, various Spanish ships anchored at the Cook Islands. Cook Islands History states that it was the Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendana who perceived the region of Pukapuka in 1595. He named it San Bernardo. Pedro Fernandez de Quiros was another Spanish sailor who landed on Rarotonga and named the island as Gente Hermosa.

In the years 1773 and 1779, the British sailor Captain James Cook visited Cook Islands. He referred the islands as the Hervey Islands. It was after his name, that these islands acquired the name of Cook Islands.

History of Cook Islands refers to the fact that it was in 1814, when the Europeans first arrived at Cook Islands. The Cumberland set ashore on the Cook Islands leading to various disputes and differences between the natives and the sailors.

After the missionaries from England reached the Cook Islands in 1821, Christianity developed as a major part of the religion and culture on the islands.

The Cook Islands transformed into a British associated state in 1888. They were shifted to New Zealand in 1901 and remained under it till 1965. After that point of time, the Cook Islands became an autonomous dominion. It was in 1965, Albert Henry was voted as the first Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. He belonged to the Cook Islands Party. Later on, in 1978, he was followed by Tom Davis who was associated with the Democratic Party.

At present, the Cook Islands experience a sovereign government and a democratic rule. The independent Cook Islands are now regulated by a Parliament comprising 24 elected spokesperson. One of them represents those natives who dwell in New Zealand and even in Australia.

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