While “paradise” is a word freely bantered about in the travel world, the Cook Islands is a traveler’s paradise. With its turquoise waters, sugar white beaches, colorful history, special island lifestyle and a homegrown welcome beyond belief, it is a genuine breath of fresh air in a universe of travel-brochure hyperbole. During Joseph’s visit to Rarotonga and Aitutaki, the Cook’s most popular islands, he enjoys “tourist attractions” that choose to educate visitors as well as entertain them. Joseph discovers that by offering the visitor authentic experiences in their beautiful land, the Cook Islanders are able to protect their heritage from commercial exploitation and perpetuate their cultural wealth by passing on their legacy to future generations.