COOK ISLANDS

Being situated South-East of Tahiti, The Cook Islands receives South South West swell all year round, whether being Antarctic ground swells that charge up from New Zealand, or more locally generated tropical activity. These swells come from out of deep water and un-load on Cook’s coral reefs- often creating steep take-offs, fast waves and wide-open tubes, so even a 2ft day has a surprising amount of energy behind it!

In general surf in the Cook Islands are recommended for the intermediate or better bodyboarder; having made that statement, there are often times that people on any ability can paddle out and have fun. Rarotonga has gained a reputation for being particularly consistent with sharp shallow reefs and blue barrels.

The Cook Islands’s 91.4 square miles (236.7 square kms) are made up of 15 tropical islands, 4 of which are inhabited. The islands can be divided into a northern and a southern group. The eight southern islands include two volcanic islands, Rarotonga and Aitutaki, four raised atolls of varying size and elevation (Mangaia, Mauke, Atiu, and Mitiaro), and two tiny coral atolls, Takutea and Manuae. The seven northern islands are all coral atolls – Penrhyn, Manihiki, Rakahanga, Pukapuka, Palmerston, Nassau, and Suwarrow.

People

The Cook Islands Maoris are Polynesians with similar language and customs to the New Zealand Maoris. The population of the group increased by a startling 10·1 per cent in the five years between the censuses of 1956 and 1961. The populations of the various islands at the most recent census (25 September 1961) were – Rarotonga 8,676, Aitutaki 2,582, Atiu 1,266, Mangaia 1,877, Mauke 785, Manihiki 1,006, Pukapuka 718, Rakahanga 319, Penrhyn 628, Mitiaro 307, Palmerston 86, Nassau 109, Manuae 18, and Suwarrow 1 – a total population of 18,378. Over 84 per cent of the total population live in the southern islands and more than 47 per cent of all Cook Islanders live on Rarotonga, where there is a population density of over 300 people to the square mile.

The islands are similar in make-up to the Hawaiian Islands with striking mountains in the center and fertile lands nearer the sea (although plant life grows out of virtually anything in this lush place). Coral reefs, sandy beaches, coconut palm trees and volcanic lagoons with clear waters are prevalent.

Cook Islands is considered the heart of Polynesia and many believe that the island of Rarotonga is the birthplace of Polynesian culture. The chance to experience this living culture and the pride Cook Islanders take in their traditions is not to be missed. The majority of the population lives mostly rurally in one of their villages. The Ariki and its chiefs, make life decisions communally, and family is everything here.

Christianity was introduced by missionaries in the 1830’s and is another core element of Cook Island life. The prevalent churches are Cook Islands Christian, Adventist, Catholic, and Latter Day Saints.

Cook Islands will not expect the visitor to understand everything about their way of life; however just doing a few things will gain you the trust and respect of the locals.

Things to Consider:

*Dress appropriately. Men should wear a shirt at all times outside the booghouse, while women should dress conservatively. Swimwear such as bikinis should be saved for the beaches.

*When you enter a Cook Islands home or Booghouse, remove footwear.

*Going to church on Sunday or Saturday is an enriching and respectful experience. Dress in your best (if possible) plain/white clothing and have a small offering ready when you enter the church.

Booghouse gives back

For us in Booghouse camp, is extremely important to give back to our local community and most importantly to our ocean, making sure we spread awareness of the serious issues happening with our waters and our planet in general.

Trying to transmit our love for the ocean, the Cook Islands and our passion to people is one of our mission, and is trough this programs that we are able to give a little back to people and sectors that need it the most.
For a better developement of a continuous ressource based economy. One that gives back…