The Polynesians are said to be legendary voyagers, but how did their ships and navigating methods measure up to larger, more powerful civilizations or empires in the past? I read that they were able to sail in the deep sea while those supposedly mighty empires has to sail near the coastline but how did they figure out something much more populous civilizations couldn't?
I provided some insight into Polynesian voyaging techniques here.
It doesn't have a direct comparison to Europeans, but gives you an overview of the methods employed by Lapita and Polynesian navigators.
Hope it helps!