Rarotonga

Travel Guide

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

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(14 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(3 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
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
Avarua featuring a bay or harbor and mountains

Avarua

2.5/5(2 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
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
The Edgewater Resort & Spa
3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The price is CA $205 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $205
CA $241 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
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)
"Edgewater is suoer child friendly and thw staff go the extra mile to make kids feel welcome at the resort. Kids menu is welcoming for kids and they throughly enjoyed their options."

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 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 CA $162 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
CA $162
CA $191 total
Jul 27 - Jul 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! (999 reviews)
"See selection above"

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 2025

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
The Islander Hotel
The Islander Hotel
3 out of 5
Main Road, Panama, Rarotonga
The price is CA $206 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
CA $206
CA $237 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (461 reviews)
"I recommend this hotel due to its location, just 3 minutes walk from the airport. The extraordinary vie of on the ocean and its fantastic dance show in the evenings. Emma and the people in the restaurant, were very welcoming."

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 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.
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
Muri Lagoon View Bungalows
Muri Lagoon View Bungalows
3.5 out of 5
Aroko Drive, Hillside, Rarotonga
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Aroa ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (60 reviews)
"Nice clean villa, had everything you needed."

Reviewed on Jun. 26, 2025

Muri Lagoon View Bungalows
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! (63 reviews)
"Large well appointed bungalows with pools and fabulous ocean views."

Reviewed on Jun. 8, 2025

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Rarotonga

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
23
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
10
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great destination!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If you like snorkeling this is the resort to stay at and the place to go!!

4/5 - Good

Rosemary

A wobdrrful trip if youre lokking to unwind. Typical usland prices but to ve ecpectec.

5/5 - Excellent

Joanne

My favourite place on earth!

4/5 - Good

JoMcK

We ended up arriving around the same time as the SE trade winds so it was very windy the entire time we were at Rarotonga. There was also a bit of a weather anomaly where it was a bit rainy and not very warm.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Unique place to visit-not too commercialized- lovely proud people. Beautiful Lagoon. Snorkeling paradise.

Cities near Rarotonga