Atiu

Atiu, Cook Islands — a raised coral island honeycombed with limestone caves, home to a rare swiftlet found nowhere else and a laid-back coffee-growing culture.

Descend into Anatakitaki Cave with a local guide to spot the endemic kopeka swiftlets, which navigate the pitch-black cave using echolocation like bats. Atiu is one of the few Pacific islands still growing and roasting its own coffee — visit a plantation, and if you're around on the right night, join a tumunu (bush-beer session) for local storytelling and song.