Definition
Sandwich Islands was the name given to the Hawaiian Islands by Captain James Cook in 1778. He named them in honor of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, who was one of his patrons. This name was used by Europeans and Americans for many years. Over time, the original Hawaiian name, Hawaii, became more widely adopted. The term 'Sandwich Islands' reflects a period of European exploration and colonization. It's a historical artifact of a bygone era.