Polynesia
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Polynesia

Geography

Polynesia is the largest and internationally the most famous of the three Nesia segments. Click page two to learn about Nesia.

Areas

Polynesia is more than French Polynesia. It covers a broad Pacific Ocean expanse shared by a number of nations. The seven best-known areas are:

American Samoa
Cook Islands
Easter Island
French Polynesia
Hawaii
Tonga
Western Samoa

For a perspective view:

See my Polynesia map

New Zealand

Is it Polynesian? Some people say yes, others, no. I'm with the latter group. True, Polynesian islands were settled, populated, and cultured by ancient Maoris from New Zealand. And, 15% of today's New Zealand population is Maori. However, that country lacks the tropical and geological feel of what is generally regarded as Polynesia by travelers.

Kon-Tiki

In 1947, the Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl sailed from South America to Polynesia in his Kon-Tiki reed boat to prove that Polynesia was settled by pre-Columbian South Americans. His theory sank in 1990 when DNA testing proved that the Polynesians' forbearers migrated from Asia.

Tattoo

That word and the elaborate tattooing art form originated in Polynesia.

Learn More

for next Polynesia Facts page

More Polynesia tips and insights

French Polynesia

French Polynesia - Intro
Bora Bora
Moorea
Nuku Hiva
Fatu Hiva
Ua Pou

Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes NP
Na Pali Coast
Waimea Canyon

Other Polynesian areas

Easter Island
Aitutaki  Cook Islands
Upolu  Western Samoa
Vava'u  Tonga

More Polynesia pages

Polynesia wonder map
French Polynesia map & tips
Interesting facts and tidbits
Polynesia photo gallery
Gauguin painting gallery

 

Tahiti Tourism

 

Tahiti Tourism

 

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