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The 'Polynesian Triangle' is a region of the Pacific Ocean anchored by three island groups: Hawai‘i, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and 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:

★ New Zealand (Aotearoa in contemporary Māori)

★ Hawai‘i

★ Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

★ Marquesas (Te Fenua ‘Enata / Te Henua Kenana)

★ Sāmoa

★ Tahiti

★ Tonga
Fiji has a Melanesian culture but one with significant Polynesian influence. It is sometimes mistaken for being a part of Polynesia.

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See also

External links

See also

★ Ancient Hawai‘i

External links

★ Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

★ Polynesian Cultural Center