Rarotonga

Travel Guide

Muri Beach which includes tropical scenes
Rarotonga featuring a beach
Muri Beach which includes general coastal views and tropical scenes
Tikioki Marine Sanctuary featuring tropical scenes and a beach
Rarotonga featuring general coastal views, a sunset and tropical scenes

Experience the glittering blue lagoons, white-sand beaches and laid-back lifestyle of the capital of the Cook Islands.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Rarotonga is the most populated of the Cook Islands and is home to their capital, Avarua. Known locally as “Raro,” the island offers palm-fringed beaches, bush walking, colorful festivals and snorkeling in warm, clear waters.

The island’s circumference measures just 20 miles (32 kilometers) and is surrounded by a lagoon. Tropical fish and coral abound in the warm, shallow waters. The calm waters of Muri Beach are perfect for beginner snorkelers.

Rarotonga was formed by a rocky volcano, which collapsed to form a round island with small jagged peaks and hidden waterfalls. Visit Wigmore's Waterfall, which teems with wildlife. You can easily explore this and other natural attractions by bike or on foot. Another great opportunity to see the island’s flora and fauna is at the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens, which features much of the local vegetation.

Visit the lively Punanga Nui growers market every Saturday before noon in Avarua village. Try the local cuisine, including seafood, and enjoy live music while buying souvenirs, locally-grown vegetables and flowers.

Chickens and coconuts are just some of the obstacles often found on the roads of Rarotonga, and with not one traffic light on the island, you may find driving an eye-opening experience. You can also get around using the island’s bus service that travels both clockwise and anti-clockwise on the road circling the island. Bus drivers will pick up and drop off on demand. A round trip of the island takes about 50 minutes.

Rarotonga International Airport is the main gateway to the Cook Islands. Boats traveling between the islands can be very infrequent – sometimes weeks apart, with generally no scheduled ferry service – so flying is recommended.

The Cook Islands were once a British protectorate, with control later passed to New Zealand. Today, the islands are self-governing in free association with New Zealand. English is one of the official languages here. Many locals also speak Cook Islands Māori, often called Rarotongan after the capital island.

Where to stay in Rarotonga

Arorangi showing kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

Arorangi

Arorangi is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Aroa Beach and Black Rock.

Arorangi
Ngatangiia

Takitumu District

While visiting Takitumu District, you might make a stop by sights like Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets.

Takitumu District
Muri Beach which includes general coastal views

Muri

If you're spending some time in Muri, Muri Beach and Muri Night Markets are top sights worth seeing.

Muri
Titikaveka which includes tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

Tapere of Titikaveka is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Muri Beach and Tikioki Marine Sanctuary while in the area.

Tapere of Titikaveka
Rarotonga which includes a waterfall and a pond

Takuvaine Tapere

While visiting Takuvaine Tapere, you might make a stop by sights like Cook Islands Library and Museum and Cook Island Christian Church.

Takuvaine Tapere
Avarua showing a bay or harbor and mountains

Avarua

Beaches, snorkeling, and bars are some highlights of Avarua. Make a stop by Cook Islands Library and Museum or Cook Island Christian Church while you're exploring.

Avarua
The Edgewater Resort & Spa

The Edgewater Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is P11,043 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P11,043
P12,700 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Our son was celebrating his 17th birthday during our short stay and just by letting the staff know this and asking what they may be able to do to help make it special we were very surprised and very pleased to find our villa decorated with a happy birthday message on the bed and a beautifully presented ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is P7,302 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P7,302
P8,398 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed my stay at club Raro. Excellent staff and hospitality. Food was good but I ate out most of the time due to activities. Excellent communication. Thank you team at club Raro."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
The Islander Hotel

The Islander Hotel

3 out of 5
Main Road, Panama, Rarotonga
The price is P8,619 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P8,619
P9,912 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (476 reviews)
"What a fantastic stay we had. We absolutely loved our time here, and a huge part of that was due to Bhara and overall staff membes, who made our experience truly amazing. We would love to come back! ​The food options were amazing and affordable, with a great variety to choose from. The functions ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

The Islander Hotel
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.
Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa

4 out of 5
Avarua, PO Box 790 , Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"Very spacious and well appointed villa with master bedroom upstairs and the other two at ground level. Appreciated the complimentary shuttle to and from sister property Pacific Hotel Resort that we used in some capacity every day. Lovely staff at both locations, too numerous to mention."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
Kia Orana Villas and Spa

Kia Orana Villas and Spa

4 out of 5
2 Ariki Road, Atupa, Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Quiet location.
"Good managing from the staff. The property is well mantained."

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Red Hibiscus Villas

Red Hibiscus Villas

3 out of 5
Puka Uenga Rd, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star villa in Rarotonga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Everything you need
"Really good value. Everything was new or great condition. The kitchen has an air fryer and electric frying pan. The pool is very nice but as we were so close to Black Rock we mostly swam at the beach. The information provided by the hosts prior to our arrival was very useful. Would definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Red Hibiscus Villas
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.

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