Hawai'i History 101

The Polynesians used 100 ft hollow-log canoes that were capable of sustaining 60 to 100 people for extended voyages. Fleets of these outrigger canoes, some lashed together would sail out to explore the oceans, using the natural elements to steer by and the wind and paddle power they often voyaged up to 100 miles per day.

Sometimes stopping on an island to grow more supplies, they were virtually a floating city, taking women, children and animals on these trips. Contrary to what you might believe growing food wasn't as easy as it appears. The higher elevations that received rain were not as difficult to farm as the low lands where irrigation methods were used to provide needed moisture. The tradition of working at night and resting during the hot day was a necessity; unfortunately it made the natives look pretty lazy to the English who had totally different concepts of work.

After settlement the Hawaiian Islands a lively commerce with Tahiti was in effect for about 200 years, then trade fell off until the "re-discovery" by Captain Cook.