Pukapuka is a coral atoll with three small
islets threaded on a reef, that encloses
a beautifully clear lagoon. It is one of
the most remote islands of the Cook Islands,
situated about 1140 kilometres northwest
of Rarotonga. It is a triangular atoll with
three islets comprising little more than
3 square kilometres of land area, yet on
this small island an ancient culture and
distinct language developed over many centuries.
Archaeologists have recently discovered evidence
of human settlement as early as approximately
2,000 years ago, and the closest prehistoric
associations appear to be with Samoa and
other islands to the west. The old name for
the atoll was Te Ulu-o-Te-Watu ('the
head of the stone'), and the northern
islet where the people normally reside is
affectionately known as Wale (Home).
Pukapuka has its own language and customs,
and other Cook Islanders say its main asset
is its “beautiful girls”. Its
name derives from the puka tree which is
commonplace
The entire population is said to be descended
from just 14 or so people who survived a
catastrophic storm and tidal wave (tsunami)
over 400 years ago. 664 people inhabited
the island as of the 2001 census.
