Sixteen castaways are marooned on Nuku Hiva, a volcanic island in the South Pacific. The members of the two tribes, Maraamu and Rotu, paddle ashore in separate life rafts and set up camp. For immunity, each team lights a series of torches in the ocean from a canoe. The losing team goes to tribal council and votes out the first person.

Each tribe builds a raft using bamboo and paddles it through a water course to pick up supplies. The first team to complete the course wins a choice of either rice or a collection of blankets, pillows and lanterns. For immunity, the players maneuver a coconut through a maze that is built inside an oversized wooden box. The third person is voted off of the island.