Things to Do in Palmerston, Kūki ʻĀirani

Palmerston Atoll, known locally as Pamati, is one of the most remote and fascinating destinations in the Cook Islands. This tiny coral atoll, located approximately 500 kilometers northwest of Rarotonga, is home to fewer than 100 residents, most of whom are descendants of William Marsters, an Englishman who settled here in 1863 with his three Polynesian wives. The atoll consists of numerous small islets surrounding a pristine lagoon, creating an untouched paradise that offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Pacific island life. What makes Palmerston truly special is its isolation and authenticity. There are no resorts, restaurants, or tourist facilities in the conventional sense - visitors stay with local families and experience genuine Polynesian hospitality. The community maintains strong traditions while speaking a unique dialect of English mixed with Cook Islands Maori. The crystal-clear lagoon, abundant marine life, and the warmth of the local people create an unforgettable experience that feels like stepping back in time to a simpler, more connected way of life.

Top Things to Do in Palmerston

Lagoon Snorkeling and Swimming

Explore the pristine lagoon with its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life including tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles. The shallow, protected waters are perfect for snorkeling and offer some of the clearest visibility in the Pacific. Local families can guide you to the best spots and share their knowledge of the marine ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Arrange snorkeling through your host family - they provide equipment and guidance at no additional cost. Best visibility is typically in the morning hours. Bring reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen can damage the coral.

Traditional Fishing with Locals

Join local residents for traditional fishing methods passed down through generations. Learn to fish from the reef edge, use traditional nets, or try your hand at spearfishing in the lagoon. This authentic experience provides insight into how the community sustains itself and maintains its connection to the ocean.

Booking Tip: Coordinate with your host family who can arrange fishing trips with experienced locals. No cost beyond showing appreciation, but bring a gift or contribution to share. Best fishing is usually early morning or late afternoon.

Island Walking Tours

Explore the small islets that make up Palmerston Atoll on foot with local guides who share stories of their ancestors and island history. Visit important cultural sites, learn about traditional plants and their uses, and hear fascinating tales of William Marsters and the island's unique heritage. The walks also offer excellent bird watching opportunities.

Booking Tip: Tours are arranged through host families and led by knowledgeable locals. Wear sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and show appreciation with a small gift or donation to the community.

Traditional Cooking Classes

Learn to prepare authentic Cook Islands dishes using traditional methods and local ingredients. Participate in cooking over open fires, preparing fresh fish, and making traditional staples like breadfruit and coconut-based dishes. This hands-on experience provides deep cultural immersion and practical skills.

Booking Tip: Arrange through your host family who will teach traditional recipes. Participate in food preparation as part of your stay experience. Contribute by helping with ingredient gathering and preparation work.

Sunset Lagoon Kayaking

Paddle through the calm lagoon waters during the golden hour when the light creates magical reflections on the water. Explore different parts of the atoll, visit uninhabited islets, and experience the profound peace of this remote location. The sunsets here are spectacular due to the unobstructed horizon and clear skies.

Booking Tip: Kayaks may be available through host families or community resources. Plan for late afternoon departure to catch sunset. Bring waterproof bag for belongings and always inform someone of your route for safety.

Getting There

Reaching Palmerston Atoll requires careful planning as it's one of the most remote inhabited places in the Pacific. The only regular access is via the cargo/passenger ship MV Lady Moana, which makes monthly trips from Rarotonga, taking approximately 30 hours each way. The ship operates on an irregular schedule depending on weather and cargo needs, so flexibility is essential. Occasionally, private yachts visit the atoll, and very rarely, chartered flights may be arranged, though there's no airstrip. Advance coordination with the island council and a host family is mandatory before attempting to visit, as there are no commercial accommodations.

Getting Around

Getting around Palmerston is simple due to its tiny size - the main inhabited area can be walked end-to-end in about 20 minutes. Most transportation is on foot along sandy paths and beaches. Small boats are used to travel between different islets of the atoll or to access fishing and snorkeling spots in the lagoon. Bicycles may occasionally be available, though the sandy terrain makes walking more practical. The local community is small and everyone knows each other, so navigation is straightforward and locals are always happy to provide directions or guidance.

Where to Stay

With the Masters family descendants

Community guesthouse arrangements

Traditional family compounds

Beachfront family homes

Village center locations

Lagoon-side family accommodations

Food & Dining

Dining on Palmerston is a communal, family-style experience centered around fresh, local ingredients. Meals are typically shared with your host family and feature fresh fish caught daily from the lagoon and reef, tropical fruits like coconut, breadfruit, and seasonal produce grown on the island. Traditional cooking methods include earth ovens and open-fire cooking, creating authentic flavors. There are no restaurants or cafes - all meals are prepared by families using traditional recipes passed down through generations. Visitors often participate in meal preparation, learning traditional cooking techniques while contributing to the communal effort of daily life on the atoll.

When to Visit

Palmerston can theoretically be visited year-round, but practical access is limited by the irregular shipping schedule and weather conditions. The dry season from May to October offers the most reliable weather with less rainfall and calmer seas, making ship travel more comfortable and predictable. However, visits are ultimately determined by the MV Lady Moana's schedule rather than seasonal preferences. The wet season from November to April brings more rainfall and potential cyclone activity, which can disrupt shipping schedules. Regardless of season, the tropical climate means warm temperatures year-round, though trade winds provide natural cooling, especially during the dry months.

Insider Tips

Bring gifts for your host family such as books, school supplies, or non-perishable foods as a sign of respect and appreciation for their hospitality

Pack all essential medications, toiletries, and supplies as there are no shops on the island and the next supply ship may not arrive for weeks

Learn basic Cook Islands Maori phrases and show genuine interest in local culture and history - the residents love sharing their unique heritage with respectful visitors

Things to Do in Palmerston