‘We know the way’: How Polynesian voyagers navigate Earth’s biggest ocean

For Polynesian voyagers who practice wayfinding and navigation, the clues to their destinations lie in the vast ocean and beyond. Once they can interpret these signs, it becomes a harmonious dance with the elements, as depicted in Disney’s Moana in 2016.    

Lehua Kamalu, Program Director and Captain of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, felt a strong connection when she first stepped onto the Hōkūleʻa, an authentic replica of an ancient Polynesian voyaging canoe. Built in the 1970s, Hōkūleʻa has sailed thousands of nautical miles since then. 

“I immediately fell in love with the place, the people, and of course, Hōkūleʻa itself and its powerful legacy,” Kamalu tells Popular Science. “Almost everyone who experiences it feels captivated right away.”

[Related: ‘Fingerprints’ confirm the seafaring stories of adventurous Polynesian navigators.]

Aside from her voyages across the Pacific Ocean, Kamalu also served as an advisor for the original film and its sequel, Moana 2. While she learned about wayfinding in school in Hawai’i, it wasn’t until adulthood that she had the opportunity to sail on Hōkūleʻa and experience it firsthand. Over the past 15 years, she has been part of the crew that has navigated Hōkūleʻa through the same waters that ancient Polynesians sailed for centuries. 

“It’s about understanding the elements and being out on the water,” explains Kamalu. “It’s about reading the stars and the weather from different parts of the island.”

‘This cave has boats! Huge canoes!’

Wayfinding involves orienting and traveling from one place to another, a skill possessed by both humans and animals. It encompasses the processes that enable individuals to navigate and understand their surroundings. 

Navigation, on the other hand, is more technical and involves determining one’s position on the water in relation to the desired destination and how to reach it. Polynesian voyagers rely on the stars, wind, clouds, marine life, and other natural elements to guide their way without the use of modern navigation tools. The canoe itself is their primary resource. 

“One of the first things you learn is how the vessel is constructed,” Kamalu explains. “Understanding the stress points, the design, and how the sail moves over the waves are essential aspects of sailing.”

To ensure the safety of all crew members, everyone participates in the assembly and maintenance of the vessel. These canoes are primarily made of wood and tied together with ropes, resembling modern catamarans but without advanced materials. Understanding the boat’s structure and weaknesses on land is crucial for safety at sea. 

“In Hawaii, we don’t have lagoons or lakes; once you’re in the water, you’re in the ocean. It’s a quick introduction to the high seas,” says Kamalu.

Maui’s fish hook 

Using the night sky as a guide is a universal aspect of voyaging. Stars play a crucial role in helping voyagers find their way without modern navigation tools. By studying the stars, constellations, and planets, voyagers can determine their position and course. Hawai’i, located in the Northern Hemisphere, benefits from the constant guidance of the North Star. 

“It’s about creating a mental map of how the world functions in a deeply human way,” Kamalu explains.

The movie showcases a constellation known as Maui’s fish hook, representing the demigod Maui’s tool for navigation in the Pacific. Also referred to as Scorpius, this constellation has been a traditional guide for Polynesian voyagers for centuries.

Kamalu and the other voyaging advisors on the films emphasized the importance of accurately depicting Maui’s fish hook. They wanted to ensure that it looked the right way, as it was a significant aspect of the story.

According to Kamalu, the stars shown in the film are real and not from a fantasy planet. He highlighted the fact that viewers can step outside their homes and see the same stars that are depicted in the movie, emphasizing the connection between the film and the natural world.

During voyages, when stars are not visible during the daytime, voyagers rely on other natural signs such as cloud formations, wind patterns, wave movements, and animal behavior to navigate. Understanding these natural indicators is crucial for finding land and safely completing the voyage.

Kamalu stressed the importance of animals in guiding voyagers towards or away from islands. By observing animal behavior, voyagers can gain valuable insights into their surroundings and navigate effectively.

The teamwork and collaboration among voyagers mirror the harmony found in nature, where stars, wind, clouds, and marine life work together to guide the way. Understanding these elements individually and collectively is essential for successful wayfinding.

The voyages undertaken by Moana and real-life navigators are made possible by the people involved. Wayfinding connects humans with the Earth in a profound way, offering a unique experience that few will ever encounter.

One poignant moment in the film that captures the essence of wayfinding is when Moana’s grandmother appears as a bioluminescent stingray to guide her. This scene reminds Kamalu of the importance of acknowledging the support and guidance of others, especially in challenging moments during a voyage.

“Moana 2” is currently showing in theaters nationwide, offering audiences a glimpse into the world of wayfinding and the connections it fosters between people and nature. Could you please rephrase that?