Mauke
The Cook Islands Best Kept Secret!
“So, are we allowed to swing on them?” I asked hopefully, gesturing towards the vertical hanging roots of Mauke’s giant Banyan tree. There was a pause as Clem’s face broke into a huge smile. “Of course. You are allowed to do stuff like that here. I’ve been doing it since before you were born!”
The kids went first. Trillian yelled, “higher, higher!” while I looked away with a mothers anxiety as both Clem and Jason gave the kids a big push. I needn’t have worried but I did anyway. When I couldn’t watch anymore, I loudly announced, “My turn again!”
The Banyan tree on the island of Mauke is reportedly the largest in the South Pacific. I’m not entirely sure how accurate that is, but I do know that this magnificent tree was so large, that I couldn’t see the edge from where I stood somewhere in the middle of its root system.
It felt more like I was standing in a forest of Banyan trees, rather than just one large one that over the years, had spread and grown unchecked much like the rest of this islands wild interior.
Some of the roots were as thick as my thigh and some were as thin as horse hairs. Clem being the local expert, grabbed a root around 5 cm thick and tied a knot in the finer fibers growing from the bottom of it. As that Clem has been swinging from this tree for at least 50 years, I trusted his assurances that it will hold my weight.
Check out our YouTube Clip Below for the Highlights of Mauke!
Yes, Mauke is definitely the Cook Islands’ best kept secret…
It’s not really a secret though, it just doesn’t receive many visitors. I’m not sure why though! It’s home to a very welcoming community and there are lots of great natural attraction to see and experience.
There is a distinct lack of tourism industry here and every single person on this island (all 300 or so of them) are welcoming and friendly. This is probably why the island is so charming!
The welcome flower lei was the best I have ever received and the goodbye one managed to top it. We planned to stay only four nights on Mauke, but found ourselves wishing we had another few days up our sleeve. We had succumbed to ‘island time’, and didn’t want to leave.
Visitors can swim in the harbour, enjoy the beautiful deserted coastline, circle the island road by scooter (kids can ride double), swim in both saltwater and freshwater cave pools, find the coastal shipwreck and visit the Divided Church in town.
Mauke’s Divided Church is fascinating! Built in 1882, there was a disagreement between the villages about how the interior of the church should be finished. The solution was to build a wall straight down the middle and decorate the church in two different styles.
The wall was removed quite some years ago and today, the two distinct styles are quite noticeable with the minister standing with a foot either side of the invisible, but completely obvious dividing line.
Check out my post on 8 reasons to visit the island of Mauke!.
Where to Stay on The Island of Mauke
For an island that doesn’t receive many visitors, the accommodation is surprisingly decent. We stayed at Ri’s retreat, a modern self-contained unit located right next to the airport and the coastal Makatea (fossilised coral) cliffs that the island is characterised by.
There are three units on the property as well as a house, which your host conveniently lives in. Your host can help you out with a vehicle and often slips fresh fruit and drinking coconuts into your fridge when your not looking.
When you can’t be bothered cooking, one of the shops has a little cafe that churns out some pretty decent burgers and chips. This is also a great place to make new friends. Coconuts are everywhere!
Air Rarotonga offers a two-night excursions package that’s worth checking out. This package didn’t exist when we visited but it looks fun!
Getting Around The Island of Mauke
The rules are a little lax here and kids are allowed to hitch a ride on the back of scooters, or sit in the tray back of utes. Don’t worry, nobody drives over 30km per hour and there are more wild goats and pigs than other vehicles on the road.
Looking for More Cook Islands Inspiration?
Check out our dedicated Cook Islands page for more inspiration and information on the Cook Islands. For other destinations both in Australia and abroad, head on back to the home page.
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Resources for Booking Your Cook Island Holiday
Flights
All international flights land in Rarotonga. Try searching on Trip.com for a great deal on flights to Rarotonga.
Internal flights around the Cook Islands need to be booked with Air Rarotonga. Mauke, Atiu and Aitutaki are less than one hour flight from Rarotonga.
Accommodation
The White House Villa is a great self-contained family-friendly apartment near Aroa Beach on Rarotonga.
I am so looking forward to visiting here at the end if this year
Kerri Anne I’m so very jealous! We had the best time on Mauke and loved the beautiful coastline and friendly people. You wont want to leave!