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Story: Waka – canoes

Polynesian double hull

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Polynesian double hull

The addition of sails to Polynesian vessels gave more power and allowed canoes to travel faster and further than with paddles. Two hulls gave stability and seaworthiness. This sketch of a double-hulled canoe (labelled ‘C’) was made by Abel Tasman in his journal while at Tongatapu in 1643.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library

Reference: PUBL-0106-001

by Isaac Gilsemans

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, Waka – canoes – Pacific origins, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/5987/polynesian-double-hull (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, published 2 March 2009.