The Polynesian Triangle is a region of the Pacific Ocean anchored by three island groups: Hawai'i, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Aotearoa (New Zealand). The many island cultures within this vast triangle speak Polynesian languages which are classified by linguists as part of the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup and thus 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 proto-culture established in the South Pacific by migrant Malayo-Polynesian people (see also Lapita).

The seven main Polynesian cultures are from:

• Aotearoa
• Hawai'i
• Rapa Nui
• Marquesas
• Samoa
• Tahiti
• Tonga

See also

• Ancient Hawai'i

External links

• Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
• Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesia | ポリネシアン・トライアングル