Debut goals from Hull pair Abel Hernandez and Mohamed Diame were only good enough for a draw against West Ham as a Curtis Davies own-goal ensured the spoils were shared.
The home side lost the lead twice, club record signing Hernandez getting the ball rolling with an impeccable first-half header and Diame restoring the advantage against the side he left on transfer deadline day.
In between Enner Valencia had marked his first league start with a blockbuster strike from 25 yards and the 2-2 draw was settled when Diafra Sakho's modest shot evaded Allan McGregor, only for Davies to bundle over his own line.
Valencia almost won it in added time when his header rebounded off Dawson's shoulder and rattled the crossbar, but that might have been harsh on the home side.