Polynesian Voyagers

Polynesians were amazing sailors who lived on Pacific islands. Long ago, they crossed thousands of miles of open ocean in wooden canoes. They had no maps, no compass, and no phones. Instead, they used the stars, waves, and birds to find their way. They discovered and settled many islands.

Their Amazing Canoes

Polynesians built big double canoes with two hulls tied together. The canoes had sails to catch the wind. They could carry people, food, water, and even animals. Some canoes were over 60 feet long. These strong boats could travel very far across rough seas.

Finding Their Way

Polynesian sailors were expert navigators. They watched the sun during the day and stars at night. They felt the ocean waves to know which way to go. Birds and clouds helped them find land. This special knowledge was passed down from parents to children for many years.

Fun Facts

• Polynesians settled Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island.
• Navigators memorized over 200 stars to guide their trips.
• They sometimes brought pigs and chickens on their long voyages.

Did You Know?

Polynesian sailors traveled across an area of ocean bigger than Europe, Asia, and Africa combined. They did this without any modern tools.