MAUKE - in the Southern group of the Cook Islands, is one of a group of three islands 135 miles east-northeast of Rarotonga known to the native Cook islanders as 'NGA-PU-TORU' (the three roots), the other 2 islands being Atiu and Mitiaro.
The island lies less than 50 miles to the east and is surrounded by a mile-wide formation of fossilized coral called MAKATEA. This inhospitable surface is razor-sharp preventing the contruction of local edifices and also exists on the other two neighboring islands. This formation was caused by the volcanic upraising of all three islands, thus killing the living coral reef, which was eventually fossilized by the salt air.
Legend has it that Chief UKE arrived from AVAIKI, the fatherland in the sky, and gave his beautiful daughter in marriage to Chief Atiu-Mua and their descendents peopled both islands for many generations. However, there was not always agreement: the stronger Atiuans would raid Mauke on occasions for food and women. Today, Mauke is a tranquil location where tourists can visit a number of interesting caves in the makatea, beautiful white sandy beaches with a shallow lagoon, historical sites and wonderful subjects for photographers. There are at least three accomodation sites available, which may be arranged by the airline from Rarotonga. |
