Colonization Strategies

How were the Polynesians able to settle so many far flung islands? Colonization of central Polynesia from island Melanesia involved sailing against the prevailing winds and currents. However, seasonal interruption of the dominant wind patterns allowed an easier sail eastward.

Archaeologist and sailor Geoffrey Irwin argues that Polynesians used "least-risk" strategies to colonize the Pacific Exploratory "search-and-return" sails may have been one of these safeguards. Knowing the winds was critical too:

• Upwind sailing (nearly into the wind), as in traveling east across Polynesia, was the most difficult but offered a fast passage to the home island when supplies might be low.
• Across-wind sailing (with wind to the side), like the trip from central East Polynesia to Hawai‘i , was easier going but harder to return home safely.
• Downwind sailing (with the wind behind), as from central East Polynesia to Aotearoa (New Zealand), was hardest of all. The variable wind systems found there, made the return trip difficult.

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Upstairs Gallery of the Hawai`iloa Exhibit

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