Pulau, Pitcairn Islands Travel Guide

Explore Pulau in the Pitcairn Islands: A Remote Paradise with Rich History, Stunning Landscapes, and Vibrant Marine Life.

Pulau in the Pitcairn Islands is a remote and unspoiled island, perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. With its stunning landscapes and rich history, Pulau offers travelers a unique glimpse into one of the most isolated places on Earth. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. The underwater world is teeming with colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life. The island's small community of residents welcomes visitors with open arms, sharing their unique culture and traditions. Exploring Pulau's rugged terrain is an adventure in itself. Hiking trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints, where you can take in panoramic views of the island and the vast ocean beyond. Birdwatchers will be thrilled with the diverse bird species that call Pulau home, including the rare Pitcairn reed-warbler. History buffs will find Pulau's connection to the famous mutiny on the HMS Bounty fascinating. The island's museum provides an in-depth look at this historical event and its impact on the local community. Whether you're seeking relaxation on secluded beaches or an adventure through lush forests, Pulau in the Pitcairn Islands offers an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pulau.

Bring all necessary supplies, as the island has limited resources and shops.
Check the weather before hiking, as conditions can change rapidly.
Engage with the locals to learn about their unique culture and heritage.
Ensure you have proper permits for diving and snorkeling to protect the marine environment.
Respect the wildlife and natural surroundings to preserve the island's pristine beauty.

Best landmarks in Pulau

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

The Bounty Anchor

Explore The Bounty Anchor in Adamstown, a historical landmark showcasing maritime heritage and stunning views, perfect for all curious travelers.

4.5

St. Paul's Pool

Discover the tranquil beauty of St. Paul's Pool, a serene paradise in the Pitcairn Islands perfect for relaxation and nature exploration.

4.6

Pitcairn Islands Museum

Explore the Pitcairn Islands Museum, a captivating destination revealing the rich history and culture of this remote island paradise.

4.7

Christian's Cave

Uncover the natural wonders and historical significance of Christian's Cave, a must-visit landmark for every traveler exploring the intriguing landscapes of this region.

4.4

Best restaurants in Pulau

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Down Alwyn's

Discover the charm of Pitcairn Island at Down Alwyn's Guest House - where comfort meets local culture in Adamstown.

4.9

Plas Pitcairn Chalet

Discover tranquility at Plas Pitcairn Chalet - your cozy bed & breakfast getaway in Adamstown's stunning landscape.

4.5

Andy´s Pizzeria

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Andy's Pizzeria in Adamstown – home to delicious pizzas and pastas made from traditional recipes.

Best bars in Pulau

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

St. Paul's Pool

Discover the tranquil beauty of St. Paul's Pool, a serene oasis perfect for relaxation and nature exploration.

4.6

Pitcairn Islands Museum

Explore the fascinating history and culture of the Pitcairn Islands at the charming Pitcairn Islands Museum, a unique tourist attraction.

4.7

Christian's Cave

Discover the allure of Christian's Cave, a historical landmark offering breathtaking views, rich history, and unforgettable adventures in nature.

4.4

Marco Boa's Cafe & Restaurant

Experience the warm ambiance and exquisite flavors at Marco Boa's Cafe & Restaurant, where every sip and bite tells a story.

5.0

Best nightclubs in Pulau

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Pitcairn Islands Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of the Pitcairn Islands at the captivating museum in Adamstown, a gem of the Pacific.

4.7

Marco Boa's Cafe & Restaurant

Discover the tranquil charm of Marco Boa's Cafe & Restaurant, where local flavors and cozy ambiance create the perfect retreat for travelers.

5.0

Best shops in Pulau

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Pitcairn Island

Explore the untouched wilderness of Pitcairn Island, where adventure meets rich history in a breathtaking Pacific paradise.

4.6

St. Paul's Pool

Discover tranquility at St. Paul's Pool, a breathtaking natural oasis perfect for swimming and relaxation in a stunning tropical setting.

4.6

Pitcairn Islands Museum

Explore the Pitcairn Islands Museum: A deep dive into maritime history and the legacy of the Bounty mutineers in a remote paradise.

4.7

Christian's Cave

Explore the enchanting Christian's Cave, a historical landmark that reveals nature's artistry and rich cultural heritage.

4.4

Explore Pulau on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Pulau, mapped for you.

Pulau Essentials

Pulau in the Pitcairn Islands is one of the most remote destinations in the world. To get there, you will need to fly to Mangareva in French Polynesia, the nearest airstrip. From Mangareva, you can take a boat to Pitcairn Island, which is a 32-hour journey. It is advisable to coordinate your travel dates with the island's transport schedule as services are infrequent.
Transportation on Pulau is limited. The most common way to get around is on foot since the island is relatively small. There are no cars, but you may find a few quad bikes used by locals. For longer distances, you can hire a local boat. Always check the weather conditions before planning any boat trips.
The official currency on Pulau is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). There are no ATMs on the island, so make sure to bring sufficient cash. Credit cards are not widely accepted, and it’s advisable to carry small denominations for easier transactions. Be prepared for a cash-only economy.
Pulau is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, it is important to take standard travel precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep your belongings secure. As a small community, locals are friendly and helpful, but it's always wise to stay vigilant.
In case of emergency, contact the local authorities or the island's medical facility. There is a small clinic on the island, but for serious medical emergencies, evacuation to a larger medical center in Tahiti or New Zealand may be necessary. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Fashion: Do dress modestly out of respect for local customs. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect the island’s Christian traditions and customs, especially on Sundays. Public Transport: Do be prepared to walk or use local boats; there is no public transport system. Greetings: Do greet people warmly; a smile and a 'hello' go a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food and always accept food offerings graciously. Don’t waste food as resources are limited on the island.
To experience Pulau like a local, engage with the community. Attend local events and gatherings to understand their way of life better. Join a fishing or gardening activity to learn about their traditional practices. Visiting the island’s small museum will provide insight into its rich history and culture.

When is the best time to visit Pulau?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Pulau

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Pulau. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBula
  [boo-lah]
- GoodbyeMoce
  [mo-theh]
- YesIo
  [ee-oh]
- NoSega
  [seh-ngah]
- Please/You're welcomeKerekere
  [keh-reh-keh-reh]
- Thank youVinaka
  [vee-nah-kah]
- Excuse me/SorryMafai
  [mah-fai]
- How are you?O cei?
  [oh seh-ee]
- Fine. And you?Vinaka. O cei iko?
  [vee-nah-kah. oh seh-ee ee-koh]
- Do you speak English?O tukuna na vosa beka?
  [oh too-kuna nah voh-sah beh-kah]
- I don't understandAu sega ni taura
  [ow seh-ngah nee tah-oo-rah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAu via raica na menu, kerekere
  [ow vee-ah rah-ee-kah nah meh-noo, keh-reh-keh-reh]
- I don't eat meatAu sega ni kana na gogo
  [ow seh-ngah nee kah-nah nah ngo-go]
- Cheers!Bula!
  [boo-lah]
- I would like to pay, pleaseAu via saumi, kerekere
  [ow vee-ah sow-mee, keh-reh-keh-reh]
- Help!Vakararawataki!
  [vah-kah-rah-rah-wah-tah-kee]
- Go away!Tukuna mai!
  [too-koo-nah my]
- Call the Police!Tukuna na Poli!
  [too-koo-nah nah poh-lee]
- Call a doctor!Tukuna na dokita!
  [too-koo-nah nah doh-kee-tah]
- I'm lostAu sa leqa
  [ow sah leh-ngah]
- I'm illAu sa mate
  [ow sah mah-teh]
- I'd like to buy...Au via volia...
  [ow vee-ah voh-lee-ah]
- I'm just lookingAu sa raica ga
  [ow sah rah-ee-kah gah]
- How much is it?E costi talei?
  [eh koh-stee tah-lay]
- That's too expensiveOya e levu duidui
  [oh-yah eh leh-voo doo-ee-doo-ee]
- Can you lower the price?E rawa beka mo kauti na i lavo?
  [eh rah-wah beh-kah moh kah-oo-tee nah ee lah-voh]
- What time is it?Na gauna cava e tiko?
  [nah gah-oo-nah thah-vah eh tee-koh]
- It's one o'clockE dua na hora
  [eh doo-ah nah ho-rah]
- Half past (10)Tolu na minuta o (10)
  [toh-loo nah mee-noo-tah oh (ten)]
- MorningVakarau
  [vah-kah-rah-oo]
- AfternoonVakasakiti
  [vah-kah-sah-kee-tee]
- EveningVakarau ni bogi
  [vah-kah-rah-oo nee bo-gee]
- YesterdayE liu
  [eh lee-oo]
- TodayE na siga
  [eh nah see-ngah]
- TomorrowE na siga e tarava
  [eh nah see-ngah eh tah-rah-vah]
- 1Dua
  [doo-ah]
- 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
- 3Tolu
  [toh-loo]
- 4Vaka
  [vah-kah]
- 5Vitu
  [vee-too]
- 6Tolu
  [toh-loo]
- 7Vitu
  [vee-too]
- 8Toru
  [toh-roo]
- 9Sota
  [so-tah]
- 10Talu
  [tah-loo]
- Where's a/the...?E na vanua cava?
  [eh nah vah-noo-ah thah-vah]
- What's the address?Na adiresi cava?
  [nah ah-deh-reh-see thah-vah]
- Can you show me (on the map)?O rawa beka mo vakaraitaka vei au (ena mapa)?
  [oh rah-wah beh-kah moh vah-kah-rai-tah-kah veh-ee ow (eh-nah mah-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?Na gauna cava na (busi) e tarava?
  [nah gah-oo-nah thah-vah nah (boo-see) eh tah-rah-vah]
- A ticket (to ....)Na tiketi (ki ....)
  [nah tee-keh-tee (kee ....)]

History of Pulau

Pulau, part of the Pitcairn Islands, was first settled by Polynesians around the 11th century. Evidence of ancient Polynesian culture, including petroglyphs and stone tools, has been found on the island. These early settlers developed a thriving community, utilizing the island's resources and establishing complex social structures.
In 1767, the British ship HMS Swallow, commanded by Captain Philip Carteret, became the first European vessel to sight the Pitcairn Islands, including Pulau. This marked the beginning of European knowledge and eventual interest in the islands.
In 1789, the infamous mutiny on the HMS Bounty led by Fletcher Christian resulted in the mutineers and their Tahitian companions seeking refuge on Pitcairn Island, with Pulau being part of this archipelago. This event significantly impacted the population and culture of the islands, as the mutineers intermarried with the Tahitians and established a new community.
During the 19th century, whaling ships frequently visited the Pitcairn Islands, including Pulau. The whalers introduced new goods, ideas, and diseases, which had a profound effect on the local population. The islands became a crucial resupply stop for ships traversing the Pacific Ocean.
In 1838, the Pitcairn Islands, including Pulau, were formally annexed by the British Empire. This brought the islands under British administration and led to the establishment of formal governance structures. The British influence is still evident in the legal and educational systems of the islands.
Throughout the 20th century, Pulau saw various modern developments, including the introduction of electricity, telecommunications, and improved transportation links. These changes have facilitated better connectivity with the outside world while also preserving the island's unique cultural heritage.
The culture of Pulau, influenced by both Polynesian and British heritage, is rich with unique traditions. Local festivals, traditional dances, and the crafting of intricate handicrafts are integral parts of the community's cultural expression. The islanders maintain a strong sense of identity and pride in their mixed heritage.