Manihiki

Manihiki
NASA picture of Manihiki
Map
Geography
LocationCentral-Southern Pacific Ocean
Coordinates10°24′S 161°00′W / 10.400°S 161.000°W / -10.400; -161.000
ArchipelagoCook Islands
Total islands43
Major islandsTauhunu, Tukao
Area4 km2 (1.5 sq mi)
Administration
Largest settlementTauhunu
Demographics
Population212
Ethnic groupsNu-matua, Tia-ngaro-tonga
Manihiki is located in Pacific Ocean
Manihiki
Manihiki
Location of Manihiki in the Pacific Ocean
Map of Manihiki Atoll

Manihiki is an atoll in the northern group of the Cook Islands known informally as the "Island of Pearls". It is located in the Northern Cook Island chain, approximately 1,299 kilometres (807 mi) north of the capital island of Rarotonga, making it one of the most remote inhabitations in the Pacific Ocean. Its name has two possible meanings: It is believed that the original name of the island was Manuhiki, or Manuhikitanga inspired by the aboriginal discoverers, Manu coming from the word Rua Manu (a kind of canoe) and Hiki meaning ashore, so the literal translation would be canoe carried ashore. The second interpretation is that the original discoverers were from Manihi, an island in Tuamotus, so the name of the island would mean Little Manihi.