Aitutaki

Travel Guide

Aitutaki showing general coastal views and tropical scenes
Aitutaki which includes general coastal views and snorkeling
Aitutaki showing general coastal views and cruising
Aitutaki which includes marine life and colorful reefs
Aitutaki featuring drinks or beverages

A remote island where bone-white beaches stretch along a triangular atoll and spectacular natural scenery bewitches at every turn.

Make a getaway to the island of Aitutaki. This remote islet is one of the most popular of the tropical Cook Islands. Wade, snorkel or scuba dive in the clean, clear water, discover Polynesian culture and heritage and marvel at the magnificent natural landscape.

Also known as Araura, Aitutaki is a triangular-shaped atoll, rising 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Explore the entire island in just a few hours or live like a Cook Islander and stay longer to truly appreciate the tranquil lifestyle.

Aitutaki’s beautiful waters, long sandy beaches and dense jungle are breathtaking. Scuba dive or snorkel in the stunning Aitutaki Lagoon to see live coral formations, a giant clam reserve and diverse reef systems with hundreds of tropical fish species.

Join a deep sea or spear fishing tour and catch yellowfin tuna, barracuda or mahi mahi. Have your passport stamped at the post office on nearby One Foot Island or stay in a lavish bungalow on Akitua Island.

The popular Saturday market at Arutanga Wharf is a great place to meet locals, buy fresh tropical fruit and vegetables and pick up hand-made crafts such as pandanus hats, sarongs and mats. Learn of the influence of the Christian missionaries in the Cook Islands Christian Church in the main village of Arutanga, play a round on the pristine Aitutaki Golf Course or enjoy the 360-degree views of the island from the highest point of the island at Maunga Pu.

The Cook Islanders are renowned for their dancing. The village of Vaipae is considered the Hollywood of the South Pacific. Watch a thrilling cultural performance of drumming, dancing and fire dancing.

The island is a 45-minute flight north of Rarotonga. Enjoy a short daytrip or spend several days soaking up the atmosphere. Aitutaki has no local buses, but many accommodations offer airport transfers or will help arrange a taxi. Get around by rental car, scooter or bicycle.

Visit Aitutaki for its idyllic, unspoiled and serene ambiance.

Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort - Adults Only
Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort - Adults Only
4.5 out of 5
Aitutaki Lagoon, Motu Akitua, Aitutaki
The price is ¥38,838 per night from Jul 11 to Jul 12
¥38,838
¥45,458 total
Jul 11 - Jul 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Aitutaki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews)
"I loved the location of each bungalows, how they were styled and the privacy of being able to enjoy your own beautiful view from your deck and the natural but carefully manicured tropical surroundings; and the facilities provided and offered. It was also so unique Being able to see the sunrise and ..."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort - Adults Only
Resort Tava'e
Resort Tava'e
2.5 out of 5
Amuri, Aitutaki
Book a stay at this beach resort in Aitutaki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Maungapu and Arutanga Harbour are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"Wonderful staff. Great beach at the front. Restaurant food portion is too big and we all gained weight. Perfect place in paradise."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Resort Tava'e
Tamanu Beach
Tamanu Beach
3.5 out of 5
Main Road, Aitutaki
The price is ¥46,531 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
¥46,531
¥53,956 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Aitutaki. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Maungapu and Aitutaki Golf Club are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (154 reviews)
"The staff were so helpful and friendly. Food at the restaurant was amazing, beautiful relaxing stay. Thank you."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Tamanu Beach
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.
Beautiful 2 bedroom Polynesian luxury villa
Beautiful 2 bedroom Polynesian luxury villa
Aitutaki
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Aitutaki. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Arutanga Harbour and Vaipae Church ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Paradise
"Awesome accommodation Highly recommended"

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

Beautiful 2 bedroom Polynesian luxury villa
Ginas Garden Lodges, Aitutaki - 4 self contained lodges in a beautiful garden
Ginas Garden Lodges, Aitutaki - 4 self contained lodges in a beautiful garden
Aitutaki Island
Stay at this vacation home in Aitutaki. Enjoy a garden, patios, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Vaipae Church and Arutanga Harbour are located nearby.
Ginas Garden Lodges, Aitutaki - 4 self contained lodges in a beautiful garden
Aitutaki Escape
Aitutaki Escape
5 out of 5
Amuri, Aitutaki
Stay at this 5-star luxury villa in Aitutaki. Enjoy free parking, private pools, and a private beach. Popular attractions Maungapu and Aitutaki Golf Club are ...
"Loved our time at Escape Aitutaki. The house was beautiful and had all the necessary facilities. We had our own private deck and pool at the back which was lovely. Great place to relax and enjoy the sea view. Thomas and Lizzy were very friendly and helpful as were the staff. We thoroughly enjoyed ..."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2024

Aitutaki Escape
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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