Explore the origins, migrations, and early history of the Polynesian world This scholarly work surveys how Polynesian peoples shaped their own past and how contact with the wider world began to change their course. It blends linguistic comparison, genealogies, and historical notes to illuminate the story from ancient roots to the times of Kamehameha I, with careful attention to the people of Hawaii and their chiefs. - Discover theories on language and origin, and how language connects to culture and identity - Learn about key Hawaiian rulers, their conflicts, and the events surrounding Captain Cook’s voyage and death - Read about the social structure, court life, and the rise and fall of island polities - See how native chronicles and Western accounts compare, and what historians consider when weighing old records Ideal for readers of maritime history, Pacific exploration, and the cultural history of Hawaii, this edition offers a grounded, evidence-based look at a pivotal era in Polynesian history.