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Explorers of the Pacific: European and American Discoveries in Polynesia

Summary

Summary

The new discoveries made during the three Spanish voyages to Tahiti, consisted of four atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago and one of the high islands of the Australs. On his first voyage, Boenechea discovered Tauere (SanSimon) and Haraiki (San Quintin) on October 28, 1772, and October 31, 1772, respectively. On his second voyage, Boenechea reached the latitude of Tauere farther east and discovered Tatakoto (San Narciso) on October 29, 1774, He picked up Tauere and, in making for Haraiki, sailed between two islands on November 1 which he had missed on his previous voyage, probably by passing at night. The island to the north was Tekokoto which he named Los Martires, but this island had been discovered by Cook on August 11, 1773, and named Doubtful Island by him. The island to the south, which was Hikueru, was a new discovery, which Boenechea named San Juan. Credit for the discovery of Raivavae in the Australs must be given to Gayangos, who discovered it on February 6, 1775, when he commanded the Aguila after Boenechea's death.

The discovery of the Vavau group by Maurelle has been generally accepted, and his account of the natives of Late and Vavau provide unquestionable proof of his remarkable discovery.