If you found this interesting and want a fascinating book on the subject I recommend We, the Navigators.
http://www.amazon.com/We-Navigators-Ancient-Landfinding-Paci...
It documents a study done of other Pacific Islanders who use waves to navigate. Hawaii was discovered because islanders observed swells from storms in the North Pacific being attenuated as the storm passed 'behind' the island chain.
Islanders also used a completely different form of celestial navigation that involved following series of stars as they rose and set on the horizon. I.e., follow Antares while it is < 10° over the horizon, then follow Pollox, etc until you reach Papeete.
http://www.amazon.com/We-Navigators-Ancient-Landfinding-Paci... It documents a study done of other Pacific Islanders who use waves to navigate. Hawaii was discovered because islanders observed swells from storms in the North Pacific being attenuated as the storm passed 'behind' the island chain.
Islanders also used a completely different form of celestial navigation that involved following series of stars as they rose and set on the horizon. I.e., follow Antares while it is < 10° over the horizon, then follow Pollox, etc until you reach Papeete.