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Inhabited Islands

BACKGROUND
There are 15 islands in the Cook Islands. It is divided in to two groups. They are the Southern Group and the Northern Group. The 15 stars on the Cook Islands National Flag represent these fifteen islands. There are 12 Islands that are inhabited and three islands that are uninhabited. Here is a very brief description of each of the inhabited Islands in the Northern and Southern Group of the Cook Islands. Please click here to watch videos of the islands.

NORTHERN GROUP

	MANIHIKI Manihiki is the pearl of the Pacific. Its deep blue lagoon is where the locals’ farm pearls and is a great asset for the islanders. This beautiful atoll with swaying coconut palms, sparking white sand is surrounded by motu’s (islets). It is the capital of the black pearl industry in the Cook Islands. They produce pearls that become a centre piece for fine jewellery. Many women and men wear them globally.
	RAKAHANGA A sister island to Manihiki, unspoilt and beautiful. It is made up of a lagoon surrounded by two islands and seven small “motu’s” or islets. They speak the same language as the Manihikians’.
	PENRYHN It is also known as Tongareva. It has a deep blue water lagoon. It is the largest atoll in the Cook Group. They make the finest crafts out of “rito” (young coconut frond). Penryhn is the furtherest of the Northern group islands from Rarotonga. It has just started pearl farming recently.
	PUKAPUKA A beautiful atoll with white sandy beach. It is the most isolated island in the Cook Islands. Pukapuka is comprised of three small islands with a reef about six or seven miles in circumference. Their communal style of living is similar to the Samoans.
	NASSAU Is a very tiny island of about 1.2sq kilometres, with a population of may be less than a hundred people. The people who live on Nassau are Pukapukans. They speak the same language.

SOUTHERN GROUP

	RAROTONGA Rarotonga is the main island in the Cook Islands. Its capital is Avarua which is the commercial centre and main port of the Cook Islands. Parliament and the Rarotongan International Airport are both on this main island. Rarotonga is surrounded by clear turquoise water, many white sandy beaches, heaps of restaurants and accommodations for tourists. People are usually friendly, caring and courteous.
	AITUTAKI Aitutaki has natural beauty and tranquillity, providing a simple but relaxing atmosphere especially for tourists and visitors. It has a crystal-clear blue lagoon with sparkling white beaches. This spectacular lagoon is abundant with a variety of coloured fish, and is always fantastic for snorkelling. Aitutaki is the island for mangoes, tupa (land crab) and the many varieties of sweet smelling “tiare maori” and “tipani.” Aitutaki also produced three of the country’s most outstanding leaders. The founding Premier Albert Henry, former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Henry, the first speaker of the House of Parliament Mrs Marqurite Story.
	MANGAIA Mangaia is one of the most extra-ordinary coastlines in the Southern Group. It is the largest and oldest island in the Cook Group. Mangaia is the coolest and southern-most island. It is a raised atoll. Many caves connect, some stretch from deep in the interior to openings on the reef side. You can trek for miles along the coast. Mangaia is very famous for its plantations of “ara painapa” (pineapples) taro, and a variety of crops. The “ei pūpū” shell necklaces (yellow and white) are a speciality of the island.
	ATIU Atiu is a small island surrounded by a close reef with shallow lagoon. There are numerous secluded white sand, caves, and small beaches. It has a spectacular rain forest and fertile soil. Atiu is well known for producing coffee. Atiu is also called Enuamanu (Island of Birds). It has many exotic birds and caves embedded in the “makatea”.
	MAUKE Mauke also known as “Akatokamanava” and is home to the huge and magnificent Motu’ anga cave. They have accessible fresh water caves. A wonderful friendly and unhurried place. It is often referred to as the “Garden” island of the Cook Group. Mauke has a special atmosphere of native hospitality. The people of Mauke are very friendly to visitors.
	MITIARO Is the smallest and least populated of the southern group. Mitiaro is the least visited by tourists and is the least known island is the Cook Group. It has two large fresh water lakes in its interior. Mitiaro is home for the “itiki” and the “piere” (dried bananas). Life in Mitiaro is refreshingly uncomplicated.
	PALMERSTON Palmerston is remote to all the other atolls. It is the only true atoll in the Cook Islands. It is also one of the friendliest. Palmerston has a unique history. This tiny island has been ruled by the descendants of William Masters for decades. It has a large beautiful lagoon. The people on Palmerston Island always traditionally welcomed seafarers. There is no safe entry for large ships. The island is subject to very strong winds, particularly in January and February.