Why are the voyages of the Polynesians unique?

               The Polynesians were skilful and daring navigators. They were the original inhabitants of a vast string of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Their voyages were made very early in the history of exploration. They established colonies on islands miles away from their native island groups.

               They were vigorous explorers, who made important migrations. They were said to have inhabited Easter Island around 440 AD. They arrived in the Hawaiian Islands around 400-500 AD. The Polynesians were also credited with the discovery of New Zealand, probably about 1150 AD.

               The Polynesians had excellent navigational systems; they had maps showing their neighbouring islands. Polynesian navigation used instruments which are distinct from the tools used by European navigators. However, they also relied on close observation of sea signs, and had a large body of knowledge from oral tradition.