How Did They Find the Hawaiian Islands?
History tells us that Hawaii's islands were initially settled as early as 400 AD.
Polynesians, likely from the Marquesas Islands—located about 2,000 miles away—are believed to have traveled to Hawaii (the "Big Island") in canoes.
What would have made canoe-travelers, from the Marquesas Islands, willing to risk such a long-distance journey from their homes?
Do you think those individuals realized how far their journey would take them? How would they have survived such a long-distance trip?
Would you be willing to undertake such a journey, in a canoe? Explain your answer.
If you didn't know how far you'd have to travel in a canoe, to reach a new destination, would you be willing to make the trip? Why, or why not?
