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Polynesians navigate vast stretches of the Pacific Ocean and arrive in Hawai'i using canoes without compasses or modern instruments. This marks the beginning of human settlement in Hawai'i: lays the foundation for social, cultural, and political development.
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Skilled Tahitian navigators reach Hawai'i and settle. Introduced advanced navigation techniques, strengthening inter-island trade and cultural exchange.
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Inter-Island voyages become less frequent. Knowledge maintained in chants and rituals but practical voyages decreased; society relied on local resources.
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Europeans record Hawaiian navigation and introduce instruments. Marks the first documented European contact with navigation methods, begins cultural and technical change.
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Canoe sails to Tahiti using traditional navigation methods. Proved Polynesian voyaging techniques worked, renewed cultural pride.
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First Hawaiian navigator in centuries to sail using only traditional wayfinding. Marks continuity of ancestral navigation knowledge in modern practice.
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Canoe sails 47,000 nautical miles around the globe. International recognition of Polynesian avigation: cultural revival, environmental advocacy.
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Hawaiian navigation taught in schools, voyages continue. Navigation recognized as intangible cultural heritage.