Polynesian Expansion

By Spencer Drinkall
  • 30,000 BCE

    First settlers reach the end of the Solomon Islands

    First settlers reach the end of the Solomon Islands
  • 8000 BCE

    Further migrations into Oceania

    Further migrations into Oceania
  • 1500 BCE

    Lapita ancestors settle Melanesia, Eastern Micronesia and Western Polynesia

    Lapita ancestors settle Melanesia, Eastern Micronesia and Western Polynesia
  • 1 CE

    West Polynesians settle East Polynesia

    West Polynesians settle East Polynesia
  • 300

    Polynesians settle Hawaii

    Polynesians settle Hawaii
  • 450

    Tonga and Somoa began to develop the distinctive Polynesian culture

    Tonga and Somoa began to develop the distinctive Polynesian culture
  • 700

    Polynesians settle Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

    Polynesians settle Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
  • 1000

    Polynesians settle Aotearoa (New Zealand)

    Polynesians settle Aotearoa (New Zealand)
  • 1521

    Ferdinand Magellan arrives in Tuamoto (Polynesia)

    Ferdinand Magellan arrives in Tuamoto (Polynesia)

  • Alvaro de Medana arrives at Whenua Etana (Marquesas)

    Alvaro de Medana arrives at Whenua Etana (Marquesas)

  • Captain James Cook arrives in New Zealand

    Captain James Cook arrives in New Zealand

  • Onward missionaries begin widespread work in Polynesia, leading the decline in Polynesian culture

    Onward missionaries begin widespread work in Polynesia, leading the decline in Polynesian culture

  • The beginning of the American Civil War

    The beginning of the American Civil War

  • The voyage of the Hokule'a recreates the 10 000 km sea voyage between Hawaii and Tahiti

    The voyage of the Hokule'a recreates the 10 000 km sea voyage between Hawaii and Tahiti