'In order to traverse these great distances, the Lapita must have been skilled navigators and sailors, just like their descendants, the Polynesians. Navigational techniques still in use in Micronesia may provide insight into the ancient traditions of Lapita and Polynesian seafaring. In traditional navigational schools on Puluwat in the Caroline Islands, students learn how to sail outrigger canoes. As Puluwat sailors conceptualize a voyage between two islands, it is the islands that move rather than the canoe: the starting point recedes as the destination approaches.

Puluwat map the skies by the constellations and the ocean by its distinguishing features; islands, reefs, swells, areas of rough water. Similarly, a Marshall Islands stick chart uses shells to indicate specific islands and patterns of sticks lashed together to illustrate currents and common wave formations in a form that is both supremely functional and aesthetically appealing.'.