CULTURAL PRESERVATION
RECLAIMING PARADISE
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS
Photo: Cook Islands Tourism
In Rarotonga, the largest island of the Cook Islands, taking a trip to an ancient mountain-top village supports protection of the site and its heritage. On your next island or beach getaway, seek meaningful ways to support cultural heritage sites.
What's
changing
Sustainable management is crucial for preserving cultural heritage sites, which face challenges from limited funding, environmental threats, needs for specialized restoration skills and cultural concerns.
What's already
possible
In Rarotonga, descendants of the Tinomana tribe excavated and opened a 600-year-old village site that was abandoned after the arrival of Christian missionaries in the early 1800s.
Seizing
the opportunity
Located 509 meters (1670 feet) above sea level in Maungaroa Valley, the village, now known as Highland Paradise, became overgrown after its inhabitants converted to Christianity and moved to the mission posts on the coast. The 83-hectare (200 acres) site was rediscovered by descendants of the original chief Tinomana. They cleared 10 hectares (25 acres) of the village site to create a space for living history tours where visitors learn about Cook Islander culture and traditions.
Standout
tactic
Highland Paradise hosts a sunset show and feast with dance, drum performances and traditional food.
How
it helps
A tour to Highland Paradise is an entertaining and educational activity that economically supports the preservation of the island’s cultural heritage.
Diving
deeper
In what ways can living history experiences engage visitors without oversimplifying or commercializing the cultural narratives they aim to preserve?
Increasing
impact
Attractions like Highland Paradise could offer hands-on workshops for visitors to learn traditional crafts, agricultural practices or rituals directly from the community, creating a deeper understanding of the culture and its complexities.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
