Vaka

Vaka is a traditional canoe used in Polynesian cultures, especially in Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji. It is a large, double-hulled or single-hulled boat designed for long-distance ocean voyaging. Vakas are built with lightweight, durable materials like wood, and are powered by sails. Historically, they played a vital role in transportation, trade, and exploration across the Pacific Islands, enabling navigation between islands using stars, winds, and ocean currents. Today, vaka represents cultural heritage, maritime skill, and communal identity, with modern replicas often used for cultural events and ongoing traditional navigation practices.