Polynesian voyages to Hawaii

Interesting  that some additional evidence for the 2 way voyages comes up. Fortunately, most experts of today already had little doubts.

 

For a while ( especially 60s and 70s ) it was fashion to doubt the Polynesian navigation skills( Andrew Sharp was the leading figure in this ). Also, most long journeys were regarded as one- way. Yet, that is long ago and since last decades virtually all experts  agree that 2 way voyages were common in the pacific . Such journeys have been scientifically demonstrated by native Oceanic navigators ( Micronesians and Polynesians, see the books from David Lewis , Ben Finney and many others ) solely using the Pacific system. Suddenly, the skeptics did not know where to hide.

 

From Tahiti region to Hawaii was already an impressive journey, but viceversa was even more difficult. The ocean itself ( so not merely the winds ) is moving from east to west. Hawaii is some 4000 km to the north of Tahiti but on a more westerly meridian though. So, from Tahiti to hawaii the ocean did not work heavily against the sailors ( this does not mean it was easy ) But, from Hawaii to Tahiti??!! One has to make up for some 4000 km leeway ( here, drifting to west ) One needs to sail hard into the easterly tradewinds to overcome this leeway. In 1976 professor Ben Finney demonstrated it in his Polynesian ship with native crews and methodes though.