The Polynesian Triangle is a geographical region of the Pacific Ocean anchored by Hawaiʻi, Rapa Nui and Aotearoa.

The Polynesian Triangle is a region of the Pacific Ocean anchored by three island groups: Hawaiʻi, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and New Zealand, often used as a simple way to define what constitutes Polynesia.

The many island cultures within this vast triangle speak Polynesian languages, which are classified by linguists as part of the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup. They ultimately derive from the proto-Austronesian language spoken in Southeast Asia 5000 years ago. Polynesians also share similar cultural traditions, arts, religion, and sciences. Anthropologists believe that all modern Polynesian cultures descend from a single protoculture established in the South Pacific by migrant Malayo-Polynesian people (see also Lapita).

The 7 main Polynesian cultures are from:

• New Zealand (Aotearoa in contemporary Māori)
• Hawaiʻi
• Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
• Marquesas (Te Fenua ʻEnata / Te Henua Kenana)
• Sāmoa
• Tahiti
• Tonga

[edit] See also

• Ancient Hawaiʻi

[edit] External links

• Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
• Polynesian Cultural Center