Archaeology
Hawaiian Origins
Genetic study reveals early Hawaiian migration history
In this briefingUpdateLimitations
Update
A genetic study analyzed over 1,000 Polynesian genomes, revealing Native Hawaiians' closest relation to Rapa Nui islanders. They likely traveled in small populations, experiencing genetic bottlenecks.
Limitations
The study used machine learning and identity by descent methods, but results require further verification. Genetic bottlenecks may have increased harmful mutations among Native Hawaiians.
Images are illustrative, not photographs of the reported finds.