It is our local staff’s authentic dedication and pride that form the heart and soul of Etu Moana.

You can notice this throughout the resort. Sense their Polynesian happiness and the genuine hospitality. Listen to their singing while they clean the villas in the morning.

And take the opportunity to experience a mutually beneficial interaction between them and yourself.

At Etu Moana, no detail is too small — and your hosts, Molly and Sean, live and breathe that promise.

Known affectionately as the mermaid and the pirate, Molly and Sean bring a unique blend of warmth, world-class experience, and a deep love for the ocean to this slice of paradise.

Sean, the pirate at heart, is a natural problem solver with roots in project design and a passion for sustainability. With years of experience across the Pacific — from Indonesia to Fiji — he’s led resort projects with a creative eye and steady hand. You’ll find his influence woven into the flow of the property, the curated experiences, and the thoughtful touches throughout the resort. Whether he’s casting a line at sunrise or quietly enhancing the guest journey, Sean’s presence is felt in every detail.

Molly, our mermaid, brings the aloha spirit from her years in boutique hospitality across the Hawaiian Islands. With a background in high-end guest services, weddings, and luxury events, she has crafted memorable moments for travelers from around the world. From welcoming you with genuine warmth to anticipating the needs you didn’t even know you had, Molly ensures your time at Etu Moana feels personal, effortless, and unforgettable.

And with Molly and Sean as your hosts, your experience is guided by genuine care, thoughtful detail, and a deep love for this island way of life. Their passions — for people, the sea, and meaningful connection — come alive here and are shared generously with every guest.

You’re not just invited to visit —

You’re invited to feel at home in the South Pacific.

Molly Elmo and Sean Tiesman, General Managers

We like to Call it The Big Five:

The privilege of exclusivity where "no detail is too small"

The aura of a natural palm-thatched roof which hardly exists any more on Aitutaki

The priceless beauty of nature

The philosophy for a sustainable tomorrow

A Barefoot luxury for adults only.

Discover more

Outstanding photos make the intangible tangible. You will immediately feel that they communicate with you, touch your heart and some might even leave you a changed person for having seen it. 

Those photos capture the view of someone, who deeply knows and loves Etu Moana. Someone who is attached to the island of Aitutaki and its people. His name is Paul Knight, and most of the photos you see on this website are from him.

Instagram account: cameraptravelk