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Aerial view of Manihiki

Manihiki is an island in the Cook Islands known as the Island of Pearls. It is a triangular atoll 1160 km north of Rarotonga, and is said to be one of the group’s loveliest islands. Polynesians are believed to have lived on Manihiki since at least 1500 CE, although it was not discovered by Europeans until 13 October 1822, when it was sighted by the U.S. ship Good Hope and named Humphrey Island. The island was claimed by the US at that time and that claim was ceded in 1980.

Manihiki sits atop an underwater mountain rising 4000 m above the ocean floor. Its stunning 4 km-wide lagoon is laced with 40 tiny motu (islets), which are strung along the reef. The reef provides excellent swimming and snorkelling, with colourful tropical fish to view.

Diving is a major attraction, and the offshore diving is among the region's best (visitors must first get a permit at the village of Tauhunu). There is good fishing in the open waters beyond the reef, including catches of Yellow-fin Tuna (bonito).

The island is renowned for its black pearls and there are pearl farms dotted around the lagoon. The largest farm maintains some 250,000 oysters for pearl production. Tours can be arranged to the farms to learn about the cultivation process, and to watch the seeding of oyster shells for future pearl harvest. Tauhunu, on the western coast, is known for its pearl carvers and the Fare Ariki – one of the old houses still standing after Cyclone Martin, which struck the island in November 1997. Flying time to the island is about four hours, and there is a weekly flight every Thursday from Rarotonga.

The Rakahanga-Manihiki language is spoken on the island.

• Manihiki, information and pictures