Rakahanga Atoll Island

Located just 44 km north of the Manihiki Atoll in the Northern Group, lies the Rakahanga Atoll. Covering an area of just 4.1 sq km, this tiny atoll is made up of two major islands and a number of smaller motu. Home to a population of just 130 people, the Rakahanga Atoll is a nice quiet stopover when you visit Manihiki.

An isolated island in the Cooks’, Rakahanga’s main export is copra, but it is primarily known for its fine rito hats. Made from the bleached leaves of the pandanus tree, these hats are great souvenirs to take home and remind you of the wonderful time you had on your South Pacific vacation. The population of Rakahanga is centered in and around the village of Nivano, which lies in the southwest of the atoll. Rakahanga’s island council, the Telecom office and a health center are all based in Nivano as well. There is a wharf just west of the village, which is used as the main point of entry into this atoll.

Closely linked with the Manihiki Atoll due to its geographical proximity, according to legend, the Rakahanga Atoll and the Manihiki Atoll were once part of the same land mass that was pulled out of the sea by the god Maui. Discovered by the Spanish explorer Pedro Fernandez de Quiros in March 1606, Rakahanga was described to have some of the most beautiful and elegant people ever encountered. A friar who was traveling with Pedro Fernandez de Quiros named Rakahanga, Gente Hermosa or ‘Beautiful People’.

Rakahanga used to have its own airstrip, however, due to its lack of use, the forestation nearby has overtaken this strip. The best way to visit the Rakahanga Atoll is by boat from Manihiki, which is a 3 hour long journey. A pleasant place to visit for a short side trip, this lovely atoll offers a quiet secluded rest stop for the weary traveler.