This pretty island is home to the huge and magnificent Motuanga Cave, (meaning Cave of 100 Rooms) which has galleries reaching out under the reef. Mauke is a peaceful island in all ways, but rich in history, both pre-European and after.
It offers numerous coves and white beaches as well as caves in which to swim, although having said that, there are better swimming areas in general on other islands.
Targeted by the warrior-based (and cannibalistic) neighbouring Atiuans during the 1800's, Mauke was regularly invaded and its inhabitants killed and eaten.
Legend has it that the Atiuans spared the prettiest women from the 'umu' (ovens) resulting in Mauke's reputation for having the most beautiful women in the southern group islands. Mauke has a special atmosphere of native hospitality - the 'ui tupuna' - and locals are very friendly to visitors.
Adjusting to island time and lifestyle is about the biggest problem you can suffer from here. Shops are few and far between, are often closed and the range of goods on offer is limited.
There are no cafs or restaurants, milk has to be bought in powder form in cans and fresh home baked bread comes from Ngatiarua village where loaves are baked in a wood-fired oven.
Getting around Mauke is best by rented bicycle. The coral roads are deserted and totally peaceful. A day spent cycling slowly round the circumferential road is a blissful retreat. The road curves gently through the coconut palms and hardwood trees. Every so often a small, sandy beach comes in sight bordered by rocky outcrops.
In the vegetation bordering the track you will find growing wild the 'noni' tree whose fruit is now being touted as a cure-all for every imaginable ailment. Also called the Indian mulberry, it is an ancient Cook Island herbal medicine.
The biggest industry on the island is the growing of 'maire', a small bush whose leaves the islanders weave into 'eis' for export to Hawaii where they are renamed 'leis' and used for very special occations and to garland incoming tourists.
Other local crafts is the weaving of 'kete' baskets and mats made out of pandanus, carved bowls from 'miro' wood. Energetic travellers can enjoy hiking through the luxuriant jungle interior and the less physical can follow the road right around the coast.
Air Rarotonga flies from Rarotonga to Mauke Monday to Friday.