Evidence from the Human Genome Project in the 21st century is providing fascinating new insights into the voyages of Austronesians throughout southeast Asia and Oceania, and specifically into Polynesia in the last thousand years. Scientific evidence is supporting oral histories and folk memories, but also raising many more questions and debates. The Polynesian Triangle has its three island outposts at Hawai'i, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Rapa Nui Easter Island. The most easterly point of Easter Island is world-famous for the giant Moai statues, but the history of the indigenous people is an enigma and has led to intense debates amongst experts from several disciplines. Today Easter Island is governed by Chile, five hours' flying time to the east. Thanks to the requirements of, and finance from, the United States space shuttle programme, Easter Island has a runway suitable for international flights.
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