In Polynesian mythology, Avaiki is an underworld, ruled by Miru and built by the gods in a series of caves and tunnels, leading to multiple halls. The lowest of the halls is the abode of Varima-te-Takere. Alternatively, Rongo created Avaiki beneath the island of Mangaia (Cook Islands). As another possibility, Avaiki is the name of the oven wherein Miru burns dead souls for eternity.
In addition to Miru and Varima-te-Takere, Miru's daughters, the Tapairu, live in Avaiki.
Some Polynesians believe Avaiki is their ancestral homeland.
According to this view, Avaiki is the 'root of the world' from which the rest of the earth was created, the home of Rongo and his family.
Avaiki was constructed by the gods in a series of strata, with spaces separated by ceilings like caves, and tunnels giving access to its halls.
According to some descriptions, Avaiki is a huge oven or fireplace for roasting all the dead who will subsequently be devoured by Miru, the goddess of the underworld.
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