operation Bobcat. With their slogan” we build – we fight”,
the Seabees soon had the island air-base operational; just in
time to see them move from this part of the Pacific, as they
pursued the Japanese further to the north and west. The
runway has recently been completely rebuilt. Charmingly
small, quaint even, Aitutaki airport is the busiest it’s been
since the war days.
Back further
in time; the
first European
discovery was by
Captain Bligh
sailing on the
Bounty in 1789.
He sighted the
island just 17
days prior to
the infamous
mutiny. Bligh returned later to Aitutaki and is said to have
introduced the pawpaw which, like other varieties of tropical
fruit, grows in abundance all over the island.
50 years later the first missionary, the Reverend John Williams
of The London Missionary Society, introduced Christianity
to Aitutaki and the Cook Islands Christian Church, down by
the wharf at Arutanga, became the very first Church built in
the Cook Islands. A grand old lady with coral walls, stained
glass windows and ornate ceiling decorations, she is a constant
inspiration to locals and a reminder that Aitutaki was the first
of the nation’s islands to embrace Christianity.
Delving further into the islands past is local archaeologist
Ngaakitai Pureariki. On a four acre site in one of Aitutaki’s
bush-clad valleys Nga’a is uncovering remnants of his peoples’
ancient past on a site strewn with large obelisk-like stones.
Carbon dating of samples reveal that the Marae at Paengariki
was established around 1000 A.D. Warriors met here before
and after battle; sacred feasts and coming-of-age ceremonies
were celebrated and human sacrifice took place. This is a
fascinating place to visit for the Aitutaki Cultural Tour at
Punarei.
Hot sun, white sands, swaying coconut
palms, a stunning turquoise lagoon and
romantic sunsets - Aitutaki is blessed
with them all
Visitors will find a wide range of accommodation options
available on the main island; from award-winning resorts
Escape Magazine • 83