Aitutaki, Island in South Pacific Ocean, Cook Islands
Aitutaki is an atoll in the South Pacific with a triangular shape and a large lagoon in the middle. Small islands sit scattered along the outer reef, forming a natural ring around the turquoise water.
Captain Bligh sailed past this atoll in 1789 and charted its position for later voyagers. Missionaries brought Christianity to the Polynesian villages in 1821 and changed local culture permanently.
The eight districts of Aitutaki maintain traditional Polynesian customs through regular community gatherings featuring dance performances and local food preparation.
Small planes connect the atoll to Rarotonga several times a day and the flight takes about 45 minutes. Local boat operators take visitors to the smaller islands around the lagoon and most tours start in the morning.
The post office on One Foot Island stamps passports with a special mark right on the beach. Visitors often stand with their feet in the shallow lagoon water while getting the stamp.
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