What was the farthest east the Polynesian reached?

Question

Why would the voyages in Polynesia have been more challenging than those in other regions?

Answer 1

The farthest east the Polynesians reached was Easter Island, located approximately 2,300 miles west of the coast of Chile.

The voyages in Polynesia would have been more challenging than those in other regions due to several factors. Firstly, the vast distances between the islands meant that Polynesian navigators had to rely on their knowledge of celestial navigation, currents, winds, and other natural signs to navigate accurately. This required a high level of skill and expertise.

Additionally, the islands in Polynesia were dispersed over a wide area, with some islands being small and difficult to spot from afar. This made it more challenging for voyagers to find and reach their destinations.

Furthermore, the unpredictable weather and ocean conditions in the Pacific Ocean could make voyages even more hazardous. Storms, strong currents, and lack of freshwater sources on some islands added to the challenges faced by Polynesian voyagers.