Regardless of how long it took the first settlers of the west to reach Polynesia, the road that has been traced with a reasonable degree of confidence. The northernmost point, Hawaii, was placed around 500 AD, followed by New Zealand in the year 1000. The exact date when the Polynesians discovered Easter Island is still discussed. Some archaeological evidence suggests that the island was first inhabited between 300 and 500 AD, but more recently the date of 800 AD has come in favor. Other scientists believe that the island was not inhabited until the end of 1200.
