Tukao is the larger of Manihiki's two inhabited villages, sitting on the northern rim of the atoll. It is the administrative centre of the island and the arrival point for Air Rarotonga flights — the airstrip runs along the islet just outside the village. Most visitors who stay on Manihiki sleep here.
The village has a strong church at its centre — the Cook Islands Christian Church, as in almost every Cook Islands community — and a tight cluster of houses and government buildings. Pearl farm infrastructure lines the lagoon shore. The pace of life is slow; the community is small enough that strangers are noticed and greeted.
From Tukao you can arrange boat transport across the lagoon to Tauhunu and to the uninhabited outer islets. The lagoon views from the village shore, particularly in the early morning, are exceptional.