Alma 63

There are recent theories that the land of Mulek was in North America and the narrow strip of land leading northward were the great lakes.  We read that -

"...Hagoth, he being an exceedingly curious man, therefore he went forth and built him an exceedingly large ship, on the borders of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation, and launched it forth into the west sea, by the narrow neck which led into the land northward.
6 And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did enter therein and did sail forth with much provisions, and also many women and children; and they took their course northward. And thus ended the thirty and seventh year.
7 And in the thirty and eighth year, this man built other ships. And the first ship did also return, and many more people did enter into it; and they also took much provisions, and set out again to the land northward."  (Alma 63:5–7)

There have always been claims that the Polynesians were descendants of these people.   If recent theories are correct, this would not be the case.