Cook Islands traditional canoe Vaka Marumaru Atua will set sail for Hawaii next week to participate in the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (Festpac 2024) in Honolulu in June. Cook Islands Voyaging Society explains the country’s long history of sending vaka (voyaging canoes) to the regional cultural event.
The Punanga Nui Market has been recognised as a symbol of endurance, resilience, and hope. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, who also chairs the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, highlighted the market’s significance, which he likened to the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity.
Strewn across the South Pacific like a handful of pearls, the Cook Islands are the living vision of Polynesia. Here are the top things to do on the islands.