The island of Tikopia is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean at lat. 12 degrees 18 minutes S by long. Tikopia is a small, volcanic island, approximately six square miles in size. The climate is hot and humid, with daily temperatures registering around 26.7 degrees C. to 29.4 degrees C. Prevailing wind patterns divide the year into two seasons. From April to September, the trade winds bring frequent cloud cover, rain, and cool temperatures.
Tropical vegetation covers the rugged landforms.
The Tikopian population had grown from 1,278 people in 1929 to 1,735 in 1953. They have traditionally subsisted by fishing, collecting, and horticulture. Because of the lack of animals on the island, hunting is not practiced. Marine fauna are the major source of protein in the Tikopia diet and are taken by line or net fishing, frequently from sea-going canoes, or by collecting with nets along the reefs. The bulk of the diet, however, comes from fruits, vegetables and root crops, both wild and cultivated.