In the early nineteenth century, the Society Islands were a major source of missionaries to other Pacific Islands. Examination of social factors influencing this missionary movement, however, is lacking. Society Islanders (Maohi) entered into Christian mission at their own initiative and were influenced both by evangelical Christianity and an institution within Maohi culture known as the Arioi. The Arioi are described and historical sources are used to illustrate continuities in the Arioi-Christian encounter, missions from Raiatea, and those to the Hawaiian Islands. The practices of the Arioi provided a successful model for Maohi Christian missions that had a lasting impact.
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