Meet Maraika Rose Lidgard, a 28-year-old content creator, travel enthusiast, and of proud Samoa and Māori descent. Hailing from New Zealand and currently residing in Melbourne, Australia, Maraika is on a mission to redefine travel for Polynesian women through her unique venture, "Lei Over." Forget the stressful planning and solo uncertainties, Maraika's passion is to make sure traveling is safe, luxurious, flexible, and accessible to her community of Pasifika women.
The Birth of Lei Over
Maraika's lifelong dream was to live overseas, a goal she finally achieved when she moved to Melbourne post-COVID. It was there, amidst this new chapter, that she made the bold decision to dive full-time into content creation. Her journey began with User-Generated Content (UGC), crafting engaging ads for brands, a skill honed by her background in marketing. But her true calling lies in travel. Having extensively explored New Zealand before her move, Maraika harbored a deep love for travel. However, a pivotal solo trip to Thailand for her birthday sparked the idea for Lei Over. Okay, now imagine this: Maraika, on a luxury speedboat tour in Krabi, island hopping, and enjoying a picturesque picnic on a beautiful beach. As she soaked in the moment, listening to Fiji's music (Rest in Peace), she noticed something profound – she was the only Polynesian person amongst over 150 people on the island. "Wow, this would be so amazing if more Polynesian people could experience this for themselves and just see the wonders of the world and do that with other Polynesians or people of the Pacific," she thought. This eye-opening realization ignited her vision: to create a safe, culturally understanding space for women of the Pacific to explore the world together. Count me in for the next one please! Also, sorry boys, this is not for you. But sign your wife or baby mama up *wink wink*
The Lei Over Experience: Your Passenger Princess Journey
Maraika's Lei Over trips are designed for the "full-time travel passenger princess" experience. She meticulously plans every detail, so all you need to worry about are your flights, travel insurance, and visa. Here's what sets Lei Over apart and why you should be on the next one:
- Luxury & Safety First: Maraika personally vets and selects safe, high-end accommodations that enhance the travel experience. For her, a hotel isn't just a place to sleep; it's a part of the adventure.
- Curated Itineraries: Every excursion and activity is carefully researched and outlined, ensuring a seamless journey.
- Balance of Group & Solo Exploration: While the trips offer the comfort of traveling with like-minded women from similar cultural backgrounds, Maraika also carves out dedicated free time. This allows for individual exploration, whether it's shopping, hitting a personal bucket list item, or simply building confidence in solo navigation.
- Admin-Free Travel: The biggest stressor of travel – the planning – is entirely taken care of. Maraika has been organizing group trips for over a decade, making her a seasoned pro in crafting unforgettable itineraries.
Why Pacific Women Should Solo Travel
Maraika understands the unique challenges and cultural considerations that can hinder Pacific women from embarking on solo travel adventures. The strong emphasis on family and community within Polynesian cultures, coupled with the often daunting costs and distances involved, can make independent exploration seem out of reach.
"Solo traveling is scary, especially booking your first trip," Maraika admits. The need to constantly be aware of your surroundings, do all the research yourself, and navigate potential obstacles alone can be overwhelming. Yet, she emphasizes the profound personal growth that comes with it. "It is such a beautiful experience knowing that when you've done a solo trip, you were there for yourself. You figured it all out. You were able to overcome obstacles."
For Maraika, the ability to tailor an itinerary to your desires and the flexibility to change plans on a whim are invaluable aspects of solo travel. And for those apprehensive about eating alone in restaurants, a common concern for solo travelers, Maraika reassures, "it's just something you get used to and once you've done it, you're so proud of yourself."
Maraika's Travel Tips
- Just Book It! "Solo traveling is life-changing," she states. "The hardest part is booking it. You'll get there. You'll make the memories. Everything after that is priceless."
- Thailand, Vietnam, and Home: For affordable and safe entry points into international travel, Maraika recommends starting with Thailand, then Vietnam. And of course, a visit back to one of the beautiful Pacific Islands is always a must.
- Airport Lounge Life: A game-changer for comfort and starting your trip right. Free food, drinks, showers, and a relaxing atmosphere make flying less of a chore.
- Unhinged Hotel Hacks: In large cities with many hotels, Maraika sometimes books accommodation on the day of arrival to save up to 50% on luxury stays, as hotels prefer occupancy over empty rooms. (Though she advises caution and research for this bold move!)
- Embrace Local Cuisine: Always book a cooking class! It's a fun way to broaden your horizons, improve your cooking skills, and learn the secrets behind local delicacies.
- Professional Photography: Invest in professional photos while traveling. These aren't just vanity shots; they are invaluable mementos that memorialize your experiences and allow you to relive those cherished memories for years to come.
- Carry-On Essentials: Always pack your chargers and a spare change of clothes in your carry-on – because you never know when your luggage might take an unexpected detour and wind up somewhere you're not!
A Commitment to Community
Maraika's dedication to her community runs deep. A University of Auckland alumna with degrees in Māori Studies, Marketing and Management, and Property, she's driven by a desire to uplift her people. Before Lei Over, she founded "Peace in Order," a business offering bilingual mental health journals in Māori and Samoan. While currently on hold due to her move, she hopes to revive it in the future.
And for those wondering about "blood quantum" and who can join Lei Over trips, Maraika wants to make it known: "Blood Quantum is a white ideology. I don't subscribe to that. As long as you're a woman of the Pacific in general, then you're more than welcome to come on the trip." Lei Over is an inclusive space for all women of the Pacific to connect, explore, and empower each other.
What's Next for Lei Over?
While the specifics are still under wraps, the next Lei Over trip is set for July 2026 and will be a week-long, short-and-sweet escape to one of the beautiful Pacific Islands. Think luxury, all-inclusive resorts, water sports, and sunset dinners! It is the perfect way to escape winter for those in the Southern Hemisphere. This shorter trip is also designed with the "baby mamas" in mind, acknowledging the challenge of longer trips may not be sustainable for mothers with young children. Maraika aims to cap these intimate group tours at 10-15 people. So be on the lookout and be one of the first to secure your spot!
Keep an eye on Maraika's social media for more details on future Lei Over adventures, including potential trips to the United States! Her work is not just about travel; it's about fostering confidence, cultural connection, and shared experiences for women of the Pacific, one incredible journey at a time.
Follow Maraika at @maraika.rose.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, August 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 8).
August 2025 · Digital Magazine
