Manihiki Island Travel Guide
Island of Pearls
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This beautiful atoll is the cultured black pearl capital of the Cook Islands, producing pearls that become centrepieces for fine jewellery worn by women and men worldwide. Locals use small outboard boats to travel between villages, or to their pearl farms set up on small coral outcrops.
Manihiki sits atop an underwater mountain rising 4000 m above the ocean floor. Its stunning 4 km-wide lagoon is laced with 40 tiny motu (islets), which are strung along the reef.
The island was traditionally a food source for the islanders of nearby Rakahanga. When food ran out the entire population crossed the 42 kms of open sea in canoes and stayed until Rakahanga replenished its natural resources. This voyaging resulted in frequent loss of lives and was discontinued at the insistence of missionaries in 1852. Thereafter, the population has been divided between the two islands.
Attractions in Manihiki Island
The largest pearl farm maintains some 250,000 oysters for pearl production. Tours can be arranged to learn about the cultivation process, and to watch the seeding of oyster shells for future pearl harvest.
Activities in Manihiki Island
The reef provides excellent swimming and snorkelling, with colourful tropical fish to view.
Diving is a major attraction, and the offshore diving is among the region's best (visitors must first get a permit at the village of Tauhunu). There is good fishing in the open waters beyond the reef, including catches of Yellow-fin Tuna (bonito).
Getting Around
Air Rarotonga fly to Manihiki once a week, flying time three hours and forty minutes.
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