 |
|
IN THE FAR south-eastern corner of the Cook Islands lies Mauke, a raised atoll named after its legendary founder, Uke. Encircled by the characteristic fossilised cliffs of "makatea" Mauke is virtually flat with its centre about 100 feet (30 m) above sea level. The island has a circumference of 12 miles (18 km). Its ancient name was Akatokamanava. Europeans called it Parry's Island, a name which, thankfully, has not endured.
 |
The soil is fertile and supports agriculture. There have been numerous agricultural
experiments on Mauke most of which have failed. However, one thriving industry is "maire",
a small bush whose leaves the islanders weave into "eis" for export to
Hawai'i where they are renamed "leis" and used to garland incoming
tourists.
Other local crafts include "kete" baskets, pandanus
mats and bowls carved from "miro" wood. Nineteenth century accounts
mention the magnificent hardwood trees that thrive on the coral limestone. Energetic
travellers can enjoy hiking through the luxuriant jungle interior and the less physical
can follow the road right around the coast.
 |
Mauke offers numerous coves and white beaches as well as caves in which to swim. The
huge Motuanga Cave has galleries which reach out under the reef. Its name means the Cave
of 100 Rooms.
Much oppressed by the warlike Atiuans last century, Mauke was regularly
invaded and its inhabitants killed and eaten. Legend has it that the Atiuans spared the
prettiest women from the "umu" (ovens) resulting in Mauke's reputation
for having the most beautiful women in the southern group islands!
The English expatriate, Julian Dashwood, married a Maukean and lived on
the island for many years. For a time he was one of the Ministers of the newly independent
state. Dashwood wrote some entertaining and penetrating books about the Cook Islands under
the pseudonym Julian Hillas (see Literature).
His body is buried on his family land at the north-western corner of the island.
 |
Air Rarotonga flies from Rarotonga to Mauke Monday to Friday. Visitors can stay at either the Mauke Cove Lodge, a guesthouse which is an old coral limestone cottage, or at the Tiare Holiday Cottages which has five studio units with shared bathroom, cooking and tea and coffee facilities. See Outer Islands Accommodation.
About Us | Home | Contact Us