Final answer:
Henry Hudson was motivated to find a Northwest Passage to enhance trade with Asia, but his explorations led to the discovery of important geographical features in the New World, which became central to Dutch trading interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary motivation for Henry Hudson's voyages was to discover a Northwest Passage to Asia for the purpose of trade.
In 1609, hired by the Dutch East India Company (DEIC), Hudson aimed to find a more direct route to the Far Eastern markets but instead discovered the valuable New York harbor and the Hudson River, enhancing the fur trade and establishing Dutch claims in the New World.
While he did not find the Northwest Passage, his explorations were instrumental in establishing Dutch presence in North America.