The colonization of the Polynesian Islands: Tahiti, Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island is considered by many to be one of the greatest adventures of humanity, which began with the use of Polynesian Canoes approximately 10,000 years ago. They were huge and very rustic canoes, always joined between huge wooden trunks and moorings made with fibers and techniques of that time.

Also known as Hawaiian Canoes, Outriggers, wa'a or va'a (name by which they are known internationally), they were used as a means of transport in Polynesia, being responsible for the colonization of the Pacific islands. The boats were extremely simple, functional and versatile. Made with rudimentary stone, bone and coral tools, two large pieces of tree were joined together and gained a central sail, made of coconut fiber.

Armed with plenty of water, fruits, coconuts and other types of food, they ventured on journeys guided by birds and in the direction of sea currents and where the wind was blowing. It was probably with this type of vessel that humanity began to migrate across the planet, discovering new lands and establishing new civilizations. It was thus approximately 3,000,000 years ago that Hawaii was discovered. Other smaller boats, with only one hull (a trunk) were used in smaller crossings and local transport. They were the famous canoes, which are still used in the Polynesian seas to this day.

As the Polynesians did not use writing to communicate, the extensive knowledge of astronomical navigation was passed from generation to generation. The fittest children were chosen to receive teachings from nature, about winds and currents, the flight of birds, passages on reefs and dedicated themselves to the sea forever. Canoes were an essential part of the lives of these civilizations that inhabited the entire Polynesian triangle, such as Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia and Southeast Asia, but there are also reports from Madagascar, where a very similar canoe was used by the natives. for fishing and expeditions, they are regions where much later canoes and civilizations emerged, making them an incomparable socio-cultural instrument of Pacific culture. Out of respect for the history of this vessel, several rituals and traditions are maintained to this day.