Aitutaki: The Hidden Paradise of the Cook Islands

• HelloKia orana
  [key-ah oh-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeAere ra
  [eye-ree rah]
• YesE
  [eh]
• NoKare
  [kah-reh]
• Please/You're welcomeAere mai
  [eye-ree my]
• Thank youMeitaki
  [may-tah-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryAro'a
  [ah-roh-ah]
• How are you?Pehea koe?
  [peh-heh-ah koh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Maitai. Koe?
  [my-tie. koh-eh]
• Do you speak English?E tika koe i te reo Ingarihi?
  [eh tee-kah koh-eh ee teh reh-oh ee-ngah-ree-hee]
• I don't understandKare au e rauka i te akaakano
  [kah-reh ow eh rah-oo-kah ee teh ah-kah-ah-kah-noh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKa riro au e kite i te meniu, aere mai
  [kah ree-roh ow eh kee-teh ee teh meh-nee-oo, eye-ree my]
• I don't eat meatKare au e kai i te kai
  [kah-reh ow eh kah-ee ee teh kah-ee]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKa riro au e uaina, aere mai
  [kah ree-roh ow eh oo-eye-nah, eye-ree my]

• Help!Aua!
  [ah-oo-ah]
• Go away!Aere atu!
  [eye-ree ah-too]
• Call the Police!Tari i te puri
  [tah-ree ee teh poo-ree]
• Call a doctor!Tari i te taote
  [tah-ree ee teh tah-oh-teh]
• I'm lostKare au i kitea
  [kah-reh ow ee kee-teh-ah]
• I'm illOu kata
  [oh kah-tah]

• I'd like to buy...Ka riro au e tano,
  [kah ree-roh ow eh tah-noh]
• I'm just lookingE tiro au
  [eh tee-roh ow]
• How much is it?E hia?
  [eh hee-ah]
• That's too expensiveTei roa te moni
  [teh roh-ah teh moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?E taea e koe te itiiti i te moni?
  [eh teh-ah eh koh-eh teh ee-tee-ee-tee ee teh moh-nee]

• What time is it?E hia te ora?
  [eh hee-ah teh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockTe ora tahi
  [teh oh-rah tah-hee]
• Half past (10)E toru
  [eh toh-roo]
• MorningAvaiki
  [ah-vah-ee-kee]
• AfternoonApoapo
  [ah-poh-ah-poh]
• EveningAiai
  [eye-eye]
• YesterdayIne
  [ee-neh]
• TodayAnei
  [ah-neh-ee]
• TomorrowApopo
  [ah-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Maha
  [mah-hah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [ee-vah]
• 10Ngauru
  [ngow-roo]

• Where's a/the...?Kei aia te ...?
  [keh eye-eye-ah teh]
• What's the address?Kei aia te tuaina?
  [keh eye-eye-ah teh too-eye-nah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E taea e koe te whakaatu mai i au (ki te mahere)?
  [eh teh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too my ee ow (kee teh mah-heh-reh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ahea te toru?
  [ah-heh-ah teh toh-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiketi (ki ...)
  [heh tee-keh-tee (kee)]

Aitutaki's history begins with its original Polynesian settlers, believed to have arrived as early as 800 AD. These early inhabitants navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using sophisticated voyaging canoes and celestial navigation techniques. They established a thriving community on the atoll, developing a rich culture and traditions that have endured through the centuries.

The European discovery of Aitutaki is credited to Captain William Bligh of the HMS Bounty, who sighted the island on April 11, 1789, just weeks before the infamous mutiny. Bligh's encounter marked the beginning of increased Western interest in the Cook Islands and Aitutaki specifically. Despite initial contact, the island remained relatively isolated from European influence for several decades.

In 1821, the London Missionary Society sent John Williams and Papeiha to Aitutaki. Their arrival heralded significant social and cultural changes, as they introduced Christianity to the islanders. The missionaries' influence led to the construction of churches and the establishment of Western education practices, which profoundly impacted Aitutaki's traditional ways of life.

During World War II, Aitutaki played a strategic role as a refueling stop for Allied forces in the Pacific. The United States established a military base on the island, bringing infrastructure developments such as the current airstrip. This period also saw increased interaction between the islanders and the outside world, leading to lasting influences on the local economy and culture.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Aitutaki experienced significant developments in its tourism industry. The island's stunning lagoon, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture attracted visitors from around the world. Today, tourism is a major economic driver, with efforts focused on sustainable practices to preserve Aitutaki's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Aitutaki is accessible primarily via air travel. The main gateway to the Cook Islands is Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), which receives international flights from New Zealand, Australia, and other Pacific islands. From Rarotonga, you can take a domestic flight to Aitutaki Airport (AIT). Air Rarotonga operates multiple daily flights, and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. There are no direct international flights to Aitutaki, so a layover in Rarotonga is necessary.

Getting around Aitutaki is relatively straightforward. The island is small, and many visitors prefer to rent scooters, bicycles, or cars to explore at their own pace. Scooter and bicycle rentals are widely available and offer a scenic and enjoyable way to see the island. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Additionally, some accommodations provide shuttle services to key attractions. There is no public bus system on Aitutaki.

The official currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available on the island, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Rarotonga before heading to Aitutaki to avoid any inconvenience.

Aitutaki is generally a safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and serious crimes are rare. However, it's always good practice to take standard precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and being cautious when walking alone at night. There are no areas or neighborhoods in Aitutaki known for high crime rates targeting tourists, but staying aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, and medical services. There is a hospital on Aitutaki that can handle most medical emergencies, but for severe cases, evacuation to Rarotonga or New Zealand may be necessary. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages or churches. Swimwear is acceptable at the beach but should be covered up when away from the water. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Sundays are considered a day of rest and worship, so many businesses may be closed. Public Transport: Do use rental services for scooters and bicycles, as public transport is not available. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Kia Orana' (hello) and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aitutaki like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional crafts. Engage with the locals, who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a Sunday church service, which is an integral part of the local culture and features beautiful hymns. For a unique experience, take a lagoon tour to explore the stunning marine life and uninhabited motus (islets).