Kia Orana! I just returned from the Cook Islands, a beautiful sovereign nation in the South Pacific. Since it gets less publicity than other destinations like Bora Bora and Fiji, fewer North Americans tend to be familiar with the Cooks. Despite that (or maybe because of it), it is definitely worth a visit. Below are a few things to keep in mind when planning a trip to the Cook Islands.
If you are looking for a South Pacific destination that is quieter and less commercial than Hawaii or Tahiti, the Cook Islands are a good choice. Everywhere you go, the culture and Maori language surround you as surely as the stunningly turquoise lagoon. The islands have a population of only 18,000 across 15 islands. In fact, more Cook Islanders live outside of the islands in New Zealand or Australia than in the Cooks. This means that the locals that all know each other and are as friendly and warm as people come.
The Cook Islands are directly south of Hawaii by about five hours and in the same time zone. English is an official language. They use the New Zealand dollar, so American travelers have significantly more buying power there than they do back home. The proximity also means that the Cook Islands are a favorite vacation spot of Kiwis and Australians. Because it is so remote, most international cell phone plans do not include the Cooks.
When choosing your accommodations for your trip to the Cook Islands, it is important to know what you are looking for. International hotel brands are banned from the islands that’s a story worth asking about), and no building is allowed to be taller than the coconut trees. This makes for some amazing views and really beautiful local properties. If having WIFI on your trip is important to you, make sure you ask about it before booking your stay as not all properties are equipped.
The Cook Islands are an excellent place to soak up the sun by the pool or on the beach. On Rarotonga, the largest airport, there are also beautiful rugged mountains covered in tropical forests. Wherever you are, the hustle and bustle of the world feels far away.
If you are going to the Cook Islands, you are likely going for the sun and sand. The beaches there are beautiful, especially Muri beach on Rarotonga. Aitutaki has the most stunning lagoon I’ve ever seen—we couldn’t believe that color exists in the real world! Protected by reefs, the waters around the islands are generally calm, relatively shallow, and comfortably warm.
Don’t miss kayaking or paddle boarding to Koromiri or taking a sea scooter turtle tour.
Aitutaki is an island north of Rarotonga and one of the most pristine places in the world. While everywhere in the Cooks is peaceful and beautiful, Aitutaki takes it to the next level. We had lunch at the Private Island Resort Aitutaki, and I recommend doing the same on your trip to the Cook Islands. The food is tasty, the views are stunning, and the novelty of taking a 30-second boat ride over to the private island tickled us pink with its quaintness. If you have dinner at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, do yourself a favor and get the lava cake!
The lagoon cruise tour was a highlight of our trip to the Cook Islands. As mentioned above, the colors of the water, palms, and sky are so vibrant you can’t be sure you’re still on earth. There is a reason the locals all say “Welcome to paradise!”
There are several tours that cruise around the lagoon, including one that serves food throughout the trip on a double-decker catamaran and plays American music in an island style. We went with Teking Lagoon Cruises and loved every minute. Described as more active because they stop at 3 snorkeling spots instead of just one, Teking offered a more intimate experience with about 20 people, and we loved Captain “Trouble” Peter.
When snorkeling in the Aitutaki lagoon, you can see colorful fish as well as giant trevally, which make up for their unimpressive coloring by very impressive size. The reef which protects the lagoon is teeming with life. We loved the clams, with their “lips” of vibrant purple, orange, and green.
A lagoon cruise includes visits to several tiny uninhabited islands, including Honeymoon Island (where you walk up from the lagoon), Maina (where lunch is provided), and One Foot Island (where you can get your passport stamped). Wear plenty of sunscreen and bring a good camera!
If you enjoy visiting a farmers’ market, be sure to check out the Muri Night Markets and the Punanga Nui Market, both on Rarotonga. The first, held Sundays and Wednesdays, is more of a food market, with stalls for burgers, curries, and rice and meat plates. The Punanga Nui Market in the heart of town has a bit of everything, from sarongs and jewelry to local produce.
If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, Rarotonga has some great options. Te Rua Manga (“The Needle”) is a mountain in the heart of the island and the most popular hike on Rarotonga. It rises about 1355 feet above the sea and provides spectacular views of the island. The 4.7-mile hike is pretty steep, and it is highly recommended to take a local guide.
The Raro Buggy Tours are also not for the faint of heart. If you like driving around in the mud, these provide just that. Come prepared though! The tour provides helmets and goggles, but as you get covered head-to-toe in liquid mud, protection for your ears, mouth, and nose is also a good idea. You finish the tour by walking into the ocean and watching the mud be swept away, followed by refreshing smoothies. As we were still washing mud out of our clothes hours later, it’s a good idea to bring clothes and tough shoes you don’t care about!
Regardless of your religious persuasion, I recommend visiting church on your trip to the Cook Islands. Church is a large cultural staple in the country, with dozens of options available, and it is an opportunity to mingle with the locals and feel the full force of their welcoming warmth. It is also the best time to hear the strains of beautiful music each islander seems to have flowing through their veins. Their tight harmonies are the music of the Pacific themselves. If you do go to church in the Cook Islands, it is respectful to wear more modest clothing, including covered shoulders.
One of the best ways to be immersed in island culture on a trip to the Cook Islands is to visit an island night or two. Many resorts will host their own, like Tuesdays at Resort Tava’e and Thursdays at Tamanu Beach Resort on Aitutaki, but Te Vara Nui Village on Rarotonga is a dedicated event with both dinner and a show. During these island nights, Cook Islanders tell stories and bring people together through dance and song.
The Cook Island Tours Progressive Dinner was my favorite eating experience of the trip and a close tie for my favorite tour. It is a humbling and heart-warming experience where the group visits local homes (thank you Aunties Nono, Sarah, and Susan!) and eats a different course at each. The locals taught us about the islands and shared their personal stories. In the true spirit of the Cook Islands (where everyone wears many hats), our driver Mike also joined the string band that serenaded us during dinner. It was a great way to meet travelers and guests alike while filling up on very tasty food.
There is only one flight from the Cook Islands to the United States—Rarotonga to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines—per week. However, if you don’t want to limit your trip to the Cook Islands to week-long increments, you can always pair it with a visit to Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand, or Australia.
Getting around on Rarotonga is simple: there is one road that rings around the island. Aitutaki is much the same, and a drive from one end of the island to the other takes a staggering 15 minutes. The flight between Rarotonga and Aitutaki is an experience unto itself: 45 minutes on a 33-seater plane, no security check or baggage restrictions, and when we gave our names at the check in counter, they issued us a “boarding pass” that looked more like a gas station receipt. The flight attendant even recognized us on our return flight three days later!
My trip to the Cook Islands was a wonderful experience. The lovely people and astonishing scenery will remain with me for a long time. If you’d like to visit the Cooks, reach out to our travel advisors, and don’t forget to stop by Cook Island Tourism’s booth at the 30th Morris Columbus Travel Expo in January 2026!
An avid traveler herself, Emily relishes the opportunity to bring awareness of Morris Columbus’ services to as many people as possible. Our Morris Columbus travel advisors can craft the perfect trip for you; give them a call to get started!
