Polynesian Voyaging and Exploration

Polynesian Voyaging

• Polynesian voyagers were the most successful navigators in the world.
• They colonized over 1,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean.
• Polynesia is bigger than Russia and has more water than land.
• Polynesian voyagers travelled in canoes called “outrigger canoes”, also known as “va’a”.
• The canoes were up to 60 feet long and were built with double hulls.
• The hulls were made from the wood of the "koa tree".
• The canoes were traditionally constructed using an "ad, " a traditional tool.
• The canoes were also made using planks of wood sewn together.

Evidence of Polynesian Exploration in the Americas

• The theory is that they travelled to South America between 1000 AD and 1200 AD.
• Polynesians crossed the ocean in their canoes, utilizing the stars for navigation.
• Many experts are convinced that Polynesian voyagers made it to the Americas before Columbus.
• The ocean served as a highway for the Polynesians, allowing them to travel great distances.

Polynesian Voyaging

• Polynesian voyagers were skilled navigators who colonized over 1,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean.
• Polynesia is vast, larger than Russia with more water than land.
• Polynesians used “outrigger canoes”, also known as “va’a”, for their voyages.
• These canoes could reach up to 60 feet long and were built with double hulls.
• The hulls were constructed using “koa tree” wood.
• Traditional tools like the "ad" were used in building the canoes.
• Planks of wood were sewn together to create the canoes.

Evidence of Polynesian Exploration in the Americas

• Some experts believe Polynesians travelled to South America between 1000 AD and 1200 AD.
• They navigated using the stars, crossing the ocean in their canoes.
• This theory suggests that Polynesian voyagers reached the Americas before Columbus.
• The ocean was a primary route for Polynesian exploration, enabling long-distance voyages.

Explore the remarkable history of Polynesian voyagers, renowned for their exceptional navigation skills that enabled them to colonize numerous islands in the Pacific Ocean. Discover the construction and significance of their outrigger canoes, and examine the theory of their travels to the Americas prior to Columbus. This quiz will test your knowledge of their incredible sea-faring achievements.