Pacific Island Guide to Family History Research

Introduction
Because Pacific Island family history is based largely on an oral tradition, it is important to apply indigenous methodologies to respectfully perform genealogy work. The methodology presented here is based on the successful genealogical experiences of other Pacific Islanders. Those who have shared their experiences are listed below in the Bibliography.

How to Use This Guide
It is important to note the steps listed below are generalizations for getting started on the basics on Pacific Island research. Pages are currently being made to explain the cultural differences that are essential to understand when doing genealogy work in each Pacific nation and culture.

Below the "Tips" section is a list of a major island groups, their nations, and links to research guides.

Pre-Research Research Tips
Before beginning research, it is important to understand a few things. Family history work is much more than just finding names of ancestors. It involves these aspects that are significant in any kind of historical research:


 * 1) History
 * 2) Culture
 * 3) Language
 * 4) Land
 * 5) Law & Religion

Tips to Begin Genealogy Work

 * Tip 1: Create an objective
 * Tip 2: Organize your research by creating a plan
 * Tip 3: Keep a record of your work
 * Tip 4: Identify what you already know
 * Tip 5: Learn the history and customs of your culture
 * Tip 6: Speak with your family
 * Tip 7: Research written records
 * Tip 8: Share your discoveries

Table of Pacific Island Na mes

Polynesia
American Samoa

Cook Islands (Includes Rarotonga)

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

French Polynesia


 * Austral Islands
 * Gambier Islands
 * Marquesas Islands
 * Society Islands
 * Tuamotu Island

Hawaii


 * Hawaii background and case study
 * Hawaii research helps

New Zealand


 * New Zealand Maori research ideas

Niue

Norfolk Island

Pitcairn Islands

Samoa

Tokelau

Tonga


 * Tongan customs and research ideas
 * Tongan oral history
 * Register of Tongan Oral Histories

Tuvalu (Ellice Islands)

Wallis and Futuna Islands

Rotuma



Melanesia
Fiji

New Caledonia

Papua New Guinea

Solomon Islands

Vanuatu

Micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands

Kiribati (Gilbert Islands)

Marshall Islands

Nauru

Palau