Mauke, Cook Islands Southern Group

Some have called Mauke a garden of Eden

Hidden deep in the interior of the island is world's largest banyan tree. It's thought to cover more than a quarter of an acre and it's still spreading. A professor from Leeds University in England, who's an expert on the trees, has seen it and confirmed its the biggest!

MAUKE'S STORY OF THE WHALE RIDER

High on the cliffs above Araiti Cove, legend says that the beautiful Kea watched while her husband, Paikea fished beyond the reef. Paikea was a great fisherman, but one day as he was about to head for home, he was swept up in a hurricane which carried him out to sea. He ended up alive on Mangaia, but Kea died on the rock. She was convinced her beloved husband was dead and she cried so much for him that she couldn't eat. Maori legend talks of Paikea riding a whale to safety - as in the film "Whale Rider" - but Mauke legend doesn't mention this. Kea's grave is another of Mauke's "hidden secrets".

Kea's Grave

Deep underground caves and lakes honeycomb the island. Even the islanders haven't explored them all. And a dip in the cool, crystal clear water is a treat.

Women go deep into the interior to gather young stems of maire. With incredible skill and speed, they strip away the inner stem and weave them into leis. These are then exported to Hawaii, where they sell for many times the few dollars the Maukeans get for their hard work.

Definitely not an island for shopaholics...stores are few and far between. And what's available depends on how recently the supply ship called. But Carmoy isn't worried (I hope I've spelled her name right). And she's always got ice cold water and a friendly chat for passers by such as me!