Polynesian Navigation: Reading the Stars to Cross Oceans

Polynesians mastered ocean crossings long before modern instruments.
They memorized star maps to guide voyages across vast seas.
The rising and setting points of stars marked travel directions.
Navigators also read waves, clouds, and bird flight patterns.
The “star compass” was passed down through oral tradition.
Voyages connected islands thousands of miles apart.
Canoes like the double-hulled wa‘a kaulua carried explorers safely.
Navigation schools trained experts known as wayfinders.
This knowledge nearly vanished but has been revived in modern times.
The canoe Hōkūleʻa’s global voyages honor this ancient science today.