On a South Pacific island, a Polynesian sailor named Terangi falls in love with Marama, the daughter of a chief, and they marry. Terangi is a beloved member of his community and sets sail on many voyages as a crew member of merchant ships. However, during one journey, Terangi is wrongfully imprisoned for defending himself against racial prejudice. Despite his peaceful demeanor and good character, he must serve an unjust sentence far from his home and loved ones.

While Terangi is incarcerated, Marama and the islanders struggle with his absence, yearning for his return. As years pass, various attempts to secure Terangi's release face obstacles, driven by the rigid legal system and the governor's staunch adherence to colonial law. Nature itself seems to reflect the turmoil in their lives, and tensions mount as unseen forces culminate in an imminent, catastrophic event.