Where is polynesian islands

Heroic figures were usually incorporated in some way. During the pre-colonial era, there was a variety of religions that existed throughout the Polynesian Islands. Most of these religious ideas and practices involved what is known as Mana , a life force or sacred power that all things—animate and inanimate—possess. Women were especially known to have great M ana as proven by their ability to reproduce.

In some cultures, chiefs also possessed great M ana as they were thought to be related to the gods. The concept of T apu —commonly known as taboo—was also very important. Many Polynesian societies had strict rules to protect against certain sacrilegious actions or anything that was considered forbidden. The various Polynesian cultures and traditions changed drastically as a result of colonialism.

The first westerners made contact in the s. At that time, there were roughly , inhabitants scattered throughout the region. European influence grew more prominently during the s when the first missionaries arrived. As Christianity spread, so too did western power. The land was eventually seized by Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, among other countries.

These powers competed for ownership of the islands, leaving the local populations to suffer the consequences. Traditions and resources were lost and discrimination flourished. In fact, the inhabitants of Easter Island were almost entirely decimated by slavery and newly introduced European diseases. Little remains of their original culture.

In , French Polynesia was even turned into a nuclear test site after France lost Algeria, their previous testing grounds. The introduction of English and Spanish threatened the survival of the various Indigenous languages. Religion was also severely impacted, with missionaries converting most Polynesians to Christianity. Many of the traditional beliefs that continued to exist were largely incorporated into Christian ideology. This type of incorporation was not uncommon during the colonial era.

For example, European hymns were combined with Tahitian drone-style singing to create new vocal music known as H imene. Over time, Polynesians even adapted to more western fashions, wearing traditional garb only during special ceremonies. Today, there are approximately two to three million ethnic Polynesians worldwide.

With the exception of New Zealand, most of the independent Polynesian Islands receive the majority of their income from foreign aid. Tourism also provides a stable income. There is no overarching Polynesian culture; it differs from island to island. However, these differences are subtle and are most noticeable to insiders.

With that said, in the eyes of Westerners, the region is currently divided by its two distinct cultures: West Polynesia and East Polynesia. The former is largely defined by its large populations, while the latter is relatively contained to the smaller islands.

Despite the erasure of their collective cultures, there are current efforts to revitalize the various practices of pre-colonial Polynesia. Hawaii, of the fifty US states, is one of the two political units included in Polynesia and American Samoa , one of the territories, is administered by the United States. New Zealand is the largest of the Polynesian countries in terms of both population and area. New Zealand is home to over 4. Of the over 4 million people in New Zealand, only , identify themselves as Polynesian.

New Zealand was previously a colony of the United Kingdom but was granted full autonomy in with the Statute of Westminster. Polynesian Countries Show Source. Other must-sees in Upolu include diving, surfing and fishing spots known the world over. Coral reef lagoon, south side of Upolu Island, Samoa. Second to Tahiti in size, but in no other way, the French Polynesian Island known as a Nuku Hiva lacks the over-the-top personality and population of so many of its neighbors.

Local town Taiohae in particular conjures up images of times fishing villages long gone by, though the entire island seems to have an old-world feel, though it does boast certain modern amenities including comfy accommodation and even a single ATM machine! Nuku Hiva travelers will much more likely find themselves on secluded beaches all to themselves, or spending time in the great outdoors, seeing the island by foot. Not as imposing or volcanic as the big island, or as populated as Oahu, Kauai makes the list for exactly the lack of Western influence that has taken over in places like Honolulu or even neighboring islands like Maui.

Kauai registers as more rural than rollocking, and yet, for the rough-it type of Polynesian adventurer, we believe it strikes just the right chord. Torrential downpours can happen year-round. Favorites of both locals and visitors include the beaches and Cliffside vistas along the stately Na Pali National Park, especially its gorgeously lush vegetation.

Both make for easy hikes and have not yet found their way into the realm of an overcrowded tourist trap. Mount Waialeale known as the wettest spot on Earth, Kauai, Hawaii. Or, at very least, the biggest. Though English is a native language and the island has long been part of the British Commonwealth, much of the exceedingly rich cultural heritage of the Polynesian Maori people persists and is, in fact, a huge draw for many.

Wellington is the capital and Auckland is the biggest city, though many will tell you that few come to NZ for its urban centers. Other draws to this enormous island include the fact that it provided the backdrop for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Stopping by modern day Hobbiton is a great way to take in NZ natural wonder and cultural importance. Not a film buff? House with blue door at Hobbiton, New Zealand.

Limestone cave, Avaiki, Niue Island. Track to Hikutavake reef, Niue Island. Hikutavake reef in Alofi. Niue Island. Pago Pago, Tutuila, American Samoa.