Where Do Polynesians Live? Pacific Island Groups and Diaspora

Core Polynesian Regions

Eastern Polynesia

• Hawaiian Islands
• Marquesas Islands
• Mangareva (Gambier Islands)
• Pitcairn Islands
• Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Central Polynesia

• Samoa (Independent & American)
• Tuvalu
• Tokelau
• Wallis and Futuna

Western Polynesia

• Tonga
• Fiji (Polynesian-influenced, mostly Melanesian)
• Rotuma

Important Distinction

Micronesia (Guam, Marianas, FSM, Palau, Marshalls, Nauru, Kiribati) is a separate cultural region, though Kiribati has both Micronesian and Polynesian populations.

Outlier Communities

• Niue
• Tikopia (Solomon Islands)
• Anuta

Global Diaspora

Large Polynesian populations now live in New Zealand (Māori), Australia, USA (Hawaii, California, Utah), and beyond due to migration.