Mauke Island: The Cook Islands’ Best-Kept Secret (And Why You Should Go)

So… are we actually allowed to swing on them?” I asked hopefully, gesturing towards the vertical hanging roots of Mauke Island’s giant banyan tree. There was a pause before Clem’s face broke into a grin.

“Of course,” he said. “You’re 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 peak mother-level anxiety as the grown-ups gave them a big push. When I finally couldn’t watch any longer, I announced loudly, “My turn again!”

That moment sums up Mauke Island perfectly. Unspoilt, welcoming, a little wild and refreshingly free of rules that don’t really matter.

If you’re looking for things to do on Mauke Island, this guide covers the must-see natural attractions, local experiences, where to stay, and how to get there. Especially if you’re travelling as a family and want something far more memorable than a resort holiday.

If you’re planning a Cook Islands trip, check out our full guide to the Cook Islands.

Is Mauke Island worth visiting?

IIf you’re expecting resorts, pool bars and a packed itinerary… Mauke probably isn’t for you.

But if you want your kids climbing banyan trees, swimming in freshwater caves and exploring beaches with no one else around, this is where the magic happens.

Mauke Island is one of the least-visited islands in the Cook Islands – and that’s exactly its appeal. It’s raw, relaxed and completely unpolished in the best possible way.

For families who value experiences over convenience, it’s not just worth visiting… It’s unforgettable.

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Best things to do on Mauke Island

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These aren’t polished tourist attractions – they’re the kind of experiences you stumble across (or a local shows you), often with no one else around.

Swim in a freshwater cave pool on Mauke Island

Mauke is a dream for wild swimmers, and the freshwater cave pools are easily the highlight.

Vai Tango Cave is the most accessible and one of the most popular spots on the island. After heavy rain, the water can be a little murky, but when it clears, it’s incredible. Cool, still and tucked within the island’s rugged landscape.

Explore Mauke Island’s deserted beaches and hidden coves

Mauke’s coastline is rugged and dramatic, shaped by makatea (fossilised coral cliffs), but tucked between them are countless tiny coves with crystal-clear water.

The best way to find them is to hire a scooter and circle the island, turning down any track that looks remotely interesting. More often than not, you’ll end up with a beach completely to yourself – something that’s almost unheard of anywhere else in other parts of the world.

If hidden coves are your jam, you might like to visit the island of Atiu in the Cook Islands as well.

Swing from the roots of Mauke’s giant Banyan Tree

The banyan tree on Mauke is enormous. It’s so big, it feels more like a forest than a single tree.

Some roots are thick enough to climb, while others hang down like ropes. Locals (like Clem) will happily point out which ones are safe to swing from – something generations of Mauke kids have grown up doing.

It’s simple, a bit chaotic, and ridiculously fun.

Float in a saltwater cave pool

For something completely different, head to Kopu Po’oki (Stomach Rock) to experience a natural saltwater pool.

It’s best visited at low tide, when waves gently spill into the rock pools rather than crashing over them. Wear reef shoes if you have them – the makatea is sharp – and take your time navigating the uneven terrain.

Swim in the Harbour

The harbour might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the best swimming spots on the island.

While the reef around Mauke is too shallow for proper swimming, the harbour walls create a calm, deep-water area that’s perfect for floating, snorkelling or just cooling off. Local kids treat it like their playground, and once you’re in, you’ll see why.

Find the shipwreck

Part of Mauke’s charm is discovering things for yourself and the Te Kou Maru shipwreck is a perfect example.

Wrecked on the reef in 2010, it’s now partially hidden among the makatea and coastal greenery. You won’t find signs pointing the way, so spotting it from the road feels like a bit of a win.

Half the fun is the hunt.

Visit the Divided Church

Mauke’s Ziona Church (often called the Divided Church) is one of the island’s most unusual landmarks.

Built in 1882, it was once physically split down the middle after a disagreement between villages over how it should be decorated. The wall is long gone, but the design divide is still visible – so much so that the minister traditionally stands with a foot on either side.

Slow down and embrace island life

Beyond the attractions, Mauke’s biggest drawcard is its atmosphere.

There’s almost no traffic, wild goats and pigs outnumber cars, and everyone has time for a chat. Gardens are immaculate, fruit grows everywhere, and “island time” isn’t a cliché. It’s just the way it is.

We planned to stay four nights and wished we’d stayed longer.

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How to get to Mauke Island (and get around)

Getting to Mauke isn’t difficult, but it does take a little planning.

All international flights arrive in Rarotonga first. From there, it’s a short domestic flight to Mauke with Air Rarotonga.

Flights don’t run every day, so it’s worth locking this in early – especially if you’re travelling during school holidays. Mauke is the kind of place you want to slow down and stay a few nights.

• New Zealand to Rarotonga – search flights from New Zealand
• Australia to Rarotonga – search flights from Australia
• Los Angeles to Rarotonga – search flights from LA
• Tahiti to Rarotonga – search flights from Tahiti

Once you arrive, getting around is simple.

• Scooters are the most popular option and you can arrange this through your accommodation
• Cars and utes can usually be arranged through your accommodation
• Kids riding double on scooters or sitting in ute trays is completely normal here
• Speeds rarely exceed 30km/h

The island is small enough to circle in under an hour, but you’ll want to take your time. Half the experience is stopping whenever something catches your eye.

Where to stay on Mauke Island

For an island that sees so few visitors, accommodation on Mauke is surprisingly comfortable. Just don’t expect resorts.

We stayed at Ri’s Retreat, a simple self-contained unit near the airport and the makatea cliffs. It’s the kind of place where things just… happen.

• Fresh fruit appears in your fridge
• Drinking coconuts get dropped off “just because”
• Your host helps organise a car without you really needing to ask

It’s relaxed, personal, and exactly what you want on an island like this.

If you don’t feel like cooking, the local store café does a solid burger and chips and doubles as the unofficial social hub. It’s a great place to meet locals and hear what’s happening on the island.

Why Mauke Island is so special

Mauke Island isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have resorts, kids’ clubs, or nightlife …and that’s exactly why it’s so special. It feels like a comfortable adventure.

It’s an island where:

• Kids climb trees and swim in caves
• Strangers become friends
• Time slows down
• Experiences feel genuinely earned, not curated

If you’re looking for meaningful, active, family-friendly things to do in the Cook Islands, Mauke Island might just steal your heart the way it did ours.

If you’re island hopping in the Cook Islands, make sure to check out Aitutaki as well.

Watch: What Mauke Island is really like

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FAQ: Mauke Island

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