Mauke Island Cook Islands

Map of Mauke Island

The small island of Mauke is found east of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Like other islands in the southern part of Cook Islands it has a fertile volcanic centre, and an outer ring of fossilised coral known as makatea. Travellers may reach Mauke Island by air (Air Rarotonga, 2 flights a week) to enjoy isolated white sandy coves, hiking and .. tranquillity! Mauke accommodation includes a number of small guest lodges. (There are no large resorts or hotels on Mauke Island).

Some of the main features and activities of Mauke Island are as follows:

• Tour round the coast road - the perimeter of the island is just 18 km (12 miles).
• Stop at white sandy beach coves for relaxing and swimming.
• Take a trip to the huge Motuanga Cave which has galleries that extend out under the fringing reef. Motuanga means 'cave with 100 rooms'.
• Traditional handicrafts include the weaving of eis (leis) from a local shrub called maire. These eis are exported to Hawaii. Also see woven pandanus mats, kete baskets and bowls carved from miro wood.
• Visit old churches and learn of the history of Mauke.

The airstrip is found on the northern coastline of Mauke Island. From there a road leads to the main village of Kimiangatau and continues to completely encircle the island. Several small roads lead across the makatea land to the central plateau, where one may find cultivated crops, and a couple of other villages. The highest point is 30 metres (100 feet).