The Polynesians

The Polynesians were great sailors and explorers. Thousands of years ago, they traveled across the huge Pacific Ocean. They settled on hundreds of islands, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand. They did all this without maps or compasses. Their skills at sea are amazing even today.

Amazing Sailors

The Polynesians built big canoes with two hulls tied together. These were called double-hulled canoes. They could carry many people, food, and animals. Polynesians used the stars, waves, clouds, and birds to find their way. They knew the ocean so well they could sail thousands of miles to tiny islands.

Life on the Islands

The Polynesians lived by fishing, farming, and gathering food. They grew taro, yams, breadfruit, and bananas. They raised pigs and chickens. Polynesians had strong families and told stories about their gods. They also made beautiful tattoos, carvings, and dances like the hula of Hawaii.

Fun Facts

• The Polynesian Triangle covers an area bigger than all the land in the world.
• The Maori people of New Zealand are Polynesians.
• Traditional Polynesian tattoos have special meanings for each family.

Did You Know?

Polynesian explorers reached Hawaii more than a thousand years ago, long before Europeans sailed there.