 NASA picture of Manihiki | |
 | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Central-Southern Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 10°24′S 161°00′W / 10.400°S 161.000°W |
| Archipelago | Cook Islands |
| Total islands | 43 |
| Major islands | Tauhunu, Tukao |
| Area | 4 km2 (1.5 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| Largest settlement | Tauhunu |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 212 |
| Ethnic groups | Nu-matua, Tia-ngaro-tonga |
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.