Rarotonga

Travel Guide

Muri Beach which includes tropical scenes
Rarotonga which includes a sandy beach
Muri Beach showing general coastal views and tropical scenes
Tikioki Marine Sanctuary featuring tropical scenes and a beach
Rarotonga which includes tropical scenes, a sunset and general coastal views
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 general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing

Arorangi

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

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 showing tranquil scenes

Tapere of Titikaveka

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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
Avarua featuring a bay or harbor and mountains

Avarua

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

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
Rarotonga featuring a cascade 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
The Edgewater Resort & Spa

The Edgewater Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is ¥22,102 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
¥22,102
¥25,417 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! (1,003 reviews)
"Loved what the resort had to offer - great for big groups too"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

3 out of 5
Ara Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥17,873 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
¥17,873
¥20,554 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"It’s a resort Had great views of 2 whales during cocktail hour"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

4 out of 5
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities ...
8/10 Very Good! (459 reviews)
"Worth it for the amazing snorkeling. Super friendly staff. Not flashy but has everything you need."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
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

Te Manava Luxury Villas

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
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! (92 reviews)
"I wanted to share about my recent stay at Kia Orana Villas. The experience was exceptional, all thanks to Sane Cowan, the Manager. Sane was incredibly professional, accommodating, and always available 24/7 to assist with any requests or questions. For anyone planning a holiday in Rarotonga, I highly ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Tropical Sands

Tropical Sands

3 out of 5
Muri Village (4 minutes away), Rarotonga
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and WiFi (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (116 reviews)
"A great place to stay. We were welcomed from arrival and our hosts were friendly and helpful. A small supermarket was only a 2 minute walk. We hired a 2 person scooter to get around and enjoy the island and this is a great way to explore. Snorkelling is a few kms away but fantastic. We would certainly ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Tropical Sands
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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