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.