Polynesian expansion By Lilybrubnjak Period: 2000 BCE to 1500 First travellers begin too move from Asia through the islands Period: 1500 BCE to 1000 BCE The lapita people spread across Polynesia Period: 1000 BCE to 1000 BCE Samoa is settled Period: 1000 BCE to 1000 BCE Polynesians arrive at Aotearoa (New Zealand) Period: 700 BCE to 700 BCE Polynesian settle Rapa Nui (Easter Islands) Period: 300 BCE to 500 BCE Hawaiian islands settled