[Ranebow6]

You could say that about almost any explorer ever.

[fighterpilot]

But modern explorers don't expect death if the "nothing" situation comes to pass. These were people that staked their life.

[pchristensen]

They brought food, they captured water from rain and condensation, and they could fish. Yes it was risky but they had a lot of runway due to their expertise on the water.

[throwaway0a5e]

Modern explorers also can be reasonably assured there will be enough food to go around next year or the year after if they stay home.

[Ranebow6]

Well modern explorers have the benefit of always knowing that there is a "something", but probably still understand that there is risk in what they are doing. Historically though, plenty of explorers from many different cultures travelled to where there was potentially "nothing". Why would Pacific Island cultures be any different?