For the last 1000 years, Rarotonga has managed to retain a unique South Pacific culture. But about ten years ago, the Sheraton chain broke ground on the island to build a huge destination resort. When we visited the island in 1994, construction workers were just beginning to build the hotel. We were sure the hotel would ruin this island. Eventually, planeloads of tourists would start rolling in, and the place would resemble the garish Kaanapali Beach on Maui. The postage stamp sized capitol, Avarua, would soon have a Gap and a Starbucks
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