Explore the Enchanting Cook Islands with iBestTravel

Strewn across the South Pacific like a handful of pearls tossed onto a gemstone-blue blanket, the Cook Islands are everything you’d hope to find in Polynesia. While this tiny island nation is famous for its white sand and clear lagoons, there’s more to the Cook Islands than pristine beaches, which are spread over 15 scattered islands. From digging into local history to witnessing the spectacle of Aitutakian fire-dancing, here are the top things to do in the Cook Islands.

Discover Local History at the Cook Islands Library and Museum

The first hint of the treasures in the Cook Islands Library and Museum on Rarotonga comes from the exterior of the building – adorned with a vivid mural that celebrates the traditions and history of the Cook Islands. Inside, visitors can learn about the history and culture of these remote islands, from the first settlement by Pacific Islanders to the arrival of European explorers and the declaration of self-government in 1965.

Run by local volunteers, the museum has an interesting range of exhibits including Polynesian cookware, musical instruments, and carved weapons. Local photographs and art hang on the walls, adding color and warmth to the displays. One of the highlights is a beautiful tivaivai, a traditional Cook Islands quilt, which hangs from the ceiling, its squares showing a canoe crossing the waves. The museum is conveniently located in Avarua and is open Monday to Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings.

Shop Like a Local at the Punanga Nui Market

To get a taste of local life, visit the Punanga Nui Market in Avarua on Saturday mornings. The marketplace is usually bustling with locals and sightseers, and it can feel like the whole of Rarotonga has come out to browse. Arrive early for the freshest local fruit and vegetables, then wander the stalls in search of local foodstuffs, drinks, clothing, and souvenirs. This venue is a great place to pick up local art and wood carvings at reasonable prices.

Another highlight of market day is watching the cultural performances on the main stage. Local children perform Polynesian dances and songs from 10 AM, offering visitors a glimpse of the color and vibrancy of Cook Island culture. No trip to Rarotonga would be complete without a wander through the marketplace, so ensure your trip includes a Saturday visit to Avarua.

Explore Aitutaki’s Lagoon

Aitutaki, the second-largest island in the Cook Islands, is less than an hour’s flight from Rarotonga, and it’s hailed as having one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Stretching out from white sandy beaches, this turquoise stretch of water is dotted with tiny motu (islets). Spending a day cruising through its stunning waters and strolling along the sugar sands of uninhabited islands is one of the best activities in the Cook Islands.

A typical lagoon tour includes visiting a few of the motu, snorkeling with tropical fish, and enjoying a barbeque lunch, usually on postcard-perfect Tapuaeta’i (One Foot Island). In the lagoon, you can see turtles and giant clams and snorkel over the wreck of the cargo freighter Alexander, which ran aground in the 1930s. Exploring Aitutaki lagoon on a sunny day feels akin to floating into paradise.

Go Bonefishing in Aitutaki

Almost invisible on the sand flats below the lagoon, Aitutaki’s silvery bonefish are reportedly the largest in the world. Known as kiokio in Cook Island Māori, adult bonefish regularly reach weights of 10 lbs or more. They’re incredibly jumpy when they venture onto the flats, and catching one is a challenge for even the most experienced fisher.

If you want to try your luck, head out onto the pristine lagoon with a local fishing guide. Learning local tips and tricks is essential if you hope to catch one of these elusive bonefish. Spending the day with a local fisher is also a fantastic way to hear more about life on the island and view beautiful Aitutaki from the water.

Attend a Service at the Cook Island Christian Church

Sunday mornings find the majority of Cook Islanders at church, and joining a local service is a fascinating experience. The Cook Island Christian Church is a small, whitewashed building dating back to the 1850s, and the local congregation warmly welcomes visitors. The tradition of Christianity on the islands dates back to the arrival of British missionaries in 1821.

The Sunday service is conducted in Māori and typically includes many sung hymns, giving the proceedings a festive atmosphere. Stay for refreshments after the service and chat with locals about the church and the community. Just remember to dress conservatively, and expect the congregation to be in their colorful Sunday best.

Hike to the Base of the Needle

For an island workout while enjoying some of the best mountain scenery on Rarotonga, hike the four-hour Cross Island Trek. The trail begins behind the town of Avarua and meanders through lush rainforest, with shady trees providing a welcome respite from the tropical sunshine.

The trail continues to the base of 413m (1,455ft) Te Rua Manga – aka The Needle – a towering volcanic rock in the center of the island. This is the highest point on the trek, and lookouts reward hikers with panoramic views across the island. Finish your hike with a swim and picnic at the serene Papua (Wigmore’s) Waterfall.

Experience an Island Night

A sense of excitement and anticipation permeates the air before the start of an Island Night – a Cook Islands feast. Performers are visible in shadows, wearing painted faces and colorful costumes as delicious smells mingle with the scent of tropical flowers. Over the next few hours, guests enjoy dances, songs, local music, and a feast that includes an umu, where food is cooked in an underground oven.

Attending an Island Night offers not only a wonderful evening out but also a glimpse into the culture and traditions that existed on the islands before European arrival. While many hotels and resorts host impressive shows, the Highland Paradise Cultural Centre on Rarotonga is renowned for its Island Night performances. Those fortunate enough to experience an Island Night in Aitutaki will witness the tradition of Aitutakian fire-dancing, one of the most impressive spectacles in the Cook Islands.

Discover Pre-Christian Aitutaki at Punarei Cultural Village

For curious travelers eager to learn more about life in the Cook Islands during pre-colonial times, a visit to the Punarei Cultural Village is a must. Here, you can uncover ancient myths, legends, and traditions of Aitutaki – including stories told before the arrival of English missionaries in the 19th Century.

A guided tour around the village showcases traditional island life, and you’ll have the chance to cook in a buried umu oven, made from leaves and local materials. Additionally, you can learn about indigenous art forms in Aitutaki and see what a local village would have looked like prior to European exploration.

Marvel at the Volcanic Rocks at Black Rock Beach

On the northwest coast of Rarotonga, striking black rock formations rise from the sea at the aptly named Black Rock Beach. These volcanic rocks contrast beautifully with the white sand, and in pre-Christian times, local people believed this was where souls began their journey to the afterlife. It’s an especially stunning location to watch the sunset, with the black rocks silhouetted against a vibrant pink and yellow sky. Black Rock also provides a lovely, calm spot for swimming and snorkeling on a windy day, as it’s positioned on the sheltered side of the island.

Go Snorkeling in the Fruits of Rarotonga

One of the joys of visiting the Cook Islands is swimming with the islands’ abundant tropical fish. Several beautiful marine reserves along the coast of Rarotonga are filled with bright coral and fascinating marine life, and Tikioki – aka, the Fruits of Rarotonga – is a definite favorite.

This is a wonderful snorkeling spot, with large coral reefs, relatively deep water, and darting schools of tropical fish in vibrant colors. For families traveling with children, a shallower snorkeling area is Aro’a Marine Reserve in southwest Rarotonga.

Take a Stroll Through the Maire Nui Gardens

In addition to the pristine beaches, the Cook Islands are known for their abundance of beautiful tropical flowers. Upon arrival, visitors are often greeted with an ‘ei – similar to a Hawaiian lei garland – made from tropical blossoms as a gesture of welcome. To view Cook Island flora up close, visit the Maire Nui Gardens at Ara Tapu on Rarotonga.

Visitors can wander through seven acres of stunning tropical gardens, dotted with peaceful lily ponds, while admiring remarkable mountain views. Walking through the gardens offers a wonderfully serene experience that contrasts perfectly with the busyness of Rarotonga’s resorts. If you find yourself feeling hungry, stop by the park’s café, nestled among the foliage.

Learn About Local Marine Life at the Cook Islands Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre

If you encounter a rainy day while in Rarotonga, or simply want a day away from the beach with children in tow, visit the Cook Islands Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre at Arorangi. Here, you’ll find a range of colorful exhibits showcasing Rarotonga’s diverse ecology.

In the aquarium, you can view lagoon sea life, including stonefish, clams, and crabs up close. The live coral and local insects are always popular with kids, as is the aviary for rehabilitating injured birds. After exploring the exhibits, treat yourself to some ice cream at the on-site ice cream parlor.