Nukunonu, Tokelau
Museums
Unfortunately, there are no museums in Nukunonu as it is a very small atoll with a population of around 400. The closest place where you can find museums would be Apia, Samoa, which is about 480 km away from Nukunonu. In Apia, you can visit the Museum of Samoa, which showcases the history and culture of the Samoan people, or the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, which is dedicated to the famous Scottish author who lived in Samoa from 1889 until his death in 1894.
Food
The traditional cuisine of Nukunonu and other Tokelauan atolls features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as coconut and breadfruit-based dishes. Here are some of the most popular and typical dishes that locals in Nukunonu enjoy:
1. Faiai Eleni - a dish made with fresh fish, coconut cream, onions, and tomatoes.
2. Fakofu - raw coconut flesh grated and mixed with sugar, then baked into a cake.
3. Tulolo - a dessert made from grated coconut meat, mixed with sugar and baked until crispy.
4. Ika Mata - a raw fish salad marinated in lime juice and coconut cream.
5. Lu Sipi - taro leaves filled with lamb or beef, cooked in coconut cream.
6. Kopai - a type of breadfruit pudding made with coconut cream and sugar.
7. Fekei - octopus cooked in coconut milk and served with taro or breadfruit.
These dishes are not only delicious but also reflect the unique flavors and culinary traditions of Tokelauan culture.
Activities
In Nukunonu, the local people enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, gardening, weaving, and dancing. You can join them in these activities to experience their culture firsthand. Fishing is a popular activity, and you can try your hand at catching some fish with the locals. Gardening is also an important part of life in Tokelau, and you can learn about the different plants and crops grown on the islands. Weaving is another traditional craft that you can observe and even participate in. You can also watch or join in the island dances, which are vibrant and energetic, and often accompanied by drumming and singing.
