Aroa Beach

Aro\'a Beach featuring a sandy beach as well as a couple
Aroa Beach
Aro\'a Beach featuring signage
Aro\'a Beach showing a sandy beach
Aroa Beach featuring a beach


Leave the bustle of the modern world behind and lounge on stretches of powdery white sand with the transparent Pacific Ocean at your fingertips.

Enjoy the freedom and serenity of the pristine Aroa Beach. Relax under swaying coconut trees, float on the currents, read a favorite book or swing in a hammock for hours. This tropical shoreline is a world-class scuba and snorkeling destination where multi-colored marine creatures provide mesmerizing underwater photo opportunities with every turn.

Relax in a beach bungalow, wake to a tropical fruit smoothie and a cup of coffee made from Cook Island-grown beans before exploring Rarotonga’s spectacular natural scenery.

The warm waters and astonishing underwater visibility make scuba diving and snorkeling a favored activity. Put on snorkeling gear and float along on the currents. See schools of tropical fish just feet from the shore, dive through shipwrecks, swim in troughs and scuba dive in caves, canyons and passages. Spot turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, humpback whales, starpuffer fish, barracudas and much more. If you have never dived before, this is a great spot to get your scuba certification with a local instructor.

Sail, windsurf or kayak on the lagoon, fish with a rod or pole to catch the evening meal or lounge on the shore to enhance your tan.

Explore the thick jungle behind the palm-fringed beach to see the tropical plants and wildlife.

Walk barefoot along the beach at sunset, smell the gardenia scent of the tiare bushes and spot native birds as they dart about catching insects in the last rays of day. Afterward, settle into a beach bar with cocktail in hand and dine on a platter of fresh seafood while enjoying live Polynesian music.

With year-round warm weather and crystal clear water, Aroa Beach is an idyllic tropical destination. It is located in southwestern Rarotonga, a 10-minute drive from the airport. Get around easily using the local bus that makes a regular 45-minute trip around the island. Car, scooter and bicycle rentals are also available.

Tours & day trips

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Water activities

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Adventure & outdoor

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

4 out of 5
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
The Black Pearl Beach Side Apartments

The Black Pearl Beach Side Apartments

3 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The Black Pearl Beach Side Apartments
The Edgewater Resort & Spa

The Edgewater Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
Coral Sands Apartments

Coral Sands Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Main Road, Arorangi, Rarotonga
Coral Sands Apartments
Natura Beach Pool Villa 1

Natura Beach Pool Villa 1

3.5 out of 5
68 Beach Road, Titikaveka, Rarotonga
Natura Beach Pool Villa 1
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Aroa Beach

Aroa Beach in Rarotonga offers splendid ocean views and is renowned for its excellent snorkelling adventures. The nearby reef area is a must-visit for snorkelling enthusiasts, providing a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with marine life. Whether you're a novice or an experienced snorkeller, the great snorkelling opportunities at Aroa Beach promise an unforgettable experience in this tropical paradise.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Aroa Beach, visit Punanga Nui Market, only 6.4km away, offering local crafts and fresh produce. Beachcomber Pearl Market, 8.0km away, features beautiful pearl jewellery. Muri Night Markets, also 8.0km away, is perfect for local delicacies and unique souvenirs.

Recreation

Cocoputt is a delightful mini-golf venue 483m from Aroa Beach, offering a fun-filled family atmosphere with a mix of adventure and sports. For golf enthusiasts, Rarotonga Golf Club, located 4.8km away, provides an excellent outdoor golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Explore the Wreck of the Matai, an exhilarating underwater sports experience located 8.0km from Aroa Beach. Dive into the vibrant marine life and discover the sunken wreck, an adventure that combines thrill and exploration in the beautiful waters of the Cook Islands.

Nightlife

Aroa Beach offers a vibrant nightlife with a laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy live music and fresh cocktails at the beachside bars, or savour delicious local cuisine at nearby restaurants. For a more relaxed evening, take a stroll along the shore under the stars, soaking in the tropical ambiance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Aroa Beach

Aroa Beach in Rarotonga offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and romantic experiences, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Visitors can explore nearby waterfalls, pristine beaches, and majestic mountains while enjoying activities such as swimming in the beautiful Aroa Lagoon. The Aroa Beachside area provides a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and leisure, ensuring a memorable holiday in this tropical paradise.

  • Highland Paradise Cultural Centre: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Cook Islands at Highland Paradise. Located a mile from Aroa Beach, this centre offers traditional performances, local cuisine, and insights into the island's history, providing a unique glimpse into Polynesian culture.
  • Puaikura Beach: A mere mile from Aroa Beach, Puaikura Beach is a stunning stretch of sand with a relaxed vibe. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing, its picturesque setting is perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun.
  • Wigmore's Waterfall: Situated 3.2km from Aroa Beach, Wigmore's Waterfall is a hidden gem. Surrounded by lush greenery, this romantic spot invites outdoor adventures and a refreshing dip in its natural pool, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Best time to go to Aroa Beach

The best time to visit Aroa Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Aroa Beach falls in March, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Aroa Beach falls in August, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February80.1°F (26.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
October74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Aroa Beach

To save money during your visit to Aroa Beach, consider planning your trip between January and March when prices are lower. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance can yield the best deals, particularly if you check Expedia for last-minute offers. Fridays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter hotels by budget and preferences, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Aroa Beach are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Aroa Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Aroa Beach is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Aroa Beach is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Aroa Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.