Hi hi!!! I’m heading to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands for a couple of weeks, looking for any recommendations on where to go, what to do and what to see? What were your highlights?

Go find the beaches that survivor used for season 13!

Snorkelling is the “best”

I’m super excited about snorkeling those reefs!!!

Take water shoes if you have any.
We did cross island hike up a steep mountain.
Attended church service was all sung acapella.
Did a tour that took us to very small island and had a bbq there.

Great! Those were on my list and I love to hike; I’ll definitely trek across the island , go to church and I’ll check out the local tours too once I arrive! Thank you

A cross island hike, a beginner scuba lesson, a day trip/tour to Aitutaki, lots of snorkelling.

I’m totally thinking to check out Aitutaki! Looks pretty awesome ! Thank you .

If you don’t go to aitutaki you are missing out on the the iconic beach/water that you see in all the Cook Islands pictures.

Is it worth the $500 a person though?

Sarah yup! Actually it’s not worth going to cook islands if you don’t see it. You actually would be booking a trip to one foot island from airutaki. Raro is not at all the same

Amanda How did you get to Aitutaki? and where did you stay? thanks I will def have it on my list, just wondering what's the cheapest way to island hop.

Monika watch for flight deals from raro. We stayed in some cabins that had kayak and paddle boards. We rented a car and checked out the tiny island. And we went on a day trip to one foot island using bishop cruises. These pictures are one foot island. The best part

I was there is 1983! Stayed at the Little Polynesian which wasn't as fancy as others but we had the South Pacific beach to ourselves!!! Got a scooter licence and went to the Banana Court Bar. I'm sure it's changed a lot since then though. I would think trips to other islands would be a thing to do?

Nice ! That’s perfect I’ll look into the scooter license! I’m looking forward to visiting the other islands as well
thank you!

Aitutaki the best you will not regret it

Thank you I’ll definitely put it on my list!

Must eat at Charlie’s, the Pacific(blue and yellow hut in Arrorangi) Spaghetti House, Vili’s burgers and Muri Night market of course! Nut market on Saturday mornings by airport fun too. Rarotonga brewery beer is good. Very small island, very rustic, embrace the beaches and amazing water

Thank you so much for the food and restaurant recommendations !!! This is awesome!!

Monika we were just there, so pretty and nice but bring cards or books as 1 tv channel only and minimal things to do in evenings. At Muri Night market get dessert first, they sell out right away!

Have a FOB (fresh off the boat) sandwich at Mooring Cafe; enjoy a beach bar beverage at sunset (Wilson’s and Shipwreck were great); eat at the Muri Night Market; take one of the cruises leaving from Muri Beach (Captain Tama’s or similar). I agree with the Aitutaki recommendations - it is heavenly - Vaka Cruise is a great way to see the lagoon and small islands.

The progressive dinner tour is also a lot of fun.

Looking forward to trying your recommendations! thank you! And I will look into Vaka Cruise to see the islands ! Can't wait!

mooring cafe for sure, shipwreck hut is AWESOME for watching the sunset (friendly staff too), beluga for breakfast/lunch and charlies for happy hour. We got electric bikes for the full time we were them and it was a blast!

Where did you rent the bikes from? thanks for all of your highlights and recommendations

Monika Rarotonga is very small! We walked all the way around.

Monika can’t remember the name but if you google electric bike Rarotonga you should find it easily. It takes over an hour to do the full island circle by electric bike