Perturbations to hotspot signals recorded on the surface of the earth will produce hotspot traces with characteristics more complex than those of simple time-progressive volcanic chains. Some of these perturbations are a consequence of normal plate tectonics, some are observed interactions of hotspot magmatism with lithospheric structure and processes, and others are hypothetical. The Line Islands volcanic chain has a complex structure and some characteristics that cannot be reconciled with those expected of a simple time-progressive hotspot trace. Two models for the development of the Line Islands are presented. Model 1 assumes that the Line Islands were formed between 130 and 67 Ma, and model 2 assumes an age span of 90 to about 15 Ma and incorporates the Tuamotu Islands as an extension of the Line Islands. In model 1 most of the complex structure and subsidence of the chain can be explained in terms of perturbations to the hotspot signal. Model 2 gives a good geometric fit to the volcanic chain but fails to explain the anomalous subsidence of the Line Islands.