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As many have pointed out, various techniques involving the use of the sun/stars, wave patterns, wind patterns, etc. Polynesians were highly skilled navigators and they passed down these skills for generations. They did not find the islands accidentally as many would have you believe. If you are interested in further reading, I suggest researching people such as Nainoa Thompson, Mau Piailug, and Herb Kāne.
If you are interested in the cultural significance of your question, I recommend the book Hawaiki Rising by Sam Low. Navigation was/is a critical aspect of Polynesian culture, and the identities of the Polynesian people is very closely tied with the ocean. With the successful voyages of the Hōkūle’a beginning in the mid-to-late-70s there was a Polynesian cultural revival (specifically Hawaiian) that provided a renewed perspective on how these people navigated and how remarkably brilliant they were.
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