Uninhabited Tropical Island
Southern Cook Islands, Cook Islands
Takutea, in the Cook Islands, is a small uninhabited island northwest of Atiu. It is only one-half square mile in size, and merely 6 metres above sea level at its highest point, most of the island is covered in coconut palms.
The Island has a very dangerous landing at the northwest corner of the reef, it has been designated a wildlife sanctuary, mainly for the red-tailed tropic birds and red-footed Boobies.
It's administered by a Trust and special permission is needed from the Trust Chairman, High Chief Rongomatane Ariki if you want to visit. Alternatively, you could join the research vessel, Bounty Bay for an eco tour out of Rarotonga.
Background
Takutea is the only island in the Cooks never to have had a permanent population. Even when Captain Cook sighted the island on 4 April, 1777 and some crew members went ashore, they found some huts but no evidence of a permanent settlement.
Copra cutters visit once a year to cut coconuts from the trees and a quantity of the tail feathers of the tropic birds which are used for traditional costumes.
The conservation service, made up of local residents from other islands, makes regular trips to the island to monitor the conservation.