The altitude of the star can be measured using one's outstretched hand. Latitude Stars for Nukuhiva, Mangareva, Rapa Nui and Hawai'i. As it travels along the ecliptic, the moon rises about 48 minutes later each night at a different postion on the eastern horizon from where it rose the night before. Determining the rising and setting points of the moon each night in relationship to another celestial body allows the moon to be used for navigation, day or night. The line separating light and dark on the moon's surface is aligned approximately north and south since the moon is positioned east or west of the sun along the ecliptic.
Moon phases are an important factor in setting a departure date.
Depatures are timed so that the moon is bright during certain segments of the voyage. Moonlight is also important when the wayfinder needs to determine latitude precisely, as in his approach to Nuku Hiva, Mangareva, Rapa Nui, and Hawai'i.