Getting There & Logistics
Flights – Hawaiian Airlines offers weekly non-stop service from Honolulu to Rarotonga once weekly, currently on Saturday. Flights are on a red-eye schedule in both directions with a flight time of approximately 6.25 hours and you will remain on the same side of the Dateline. Alternatively, you can connect through New Zealand in either direction. Air Rarotonga has a network of flights within the country to reach the outer islands. Our Travel Designers are experts on international and local flights and can arrange all logistics.
Public Transport – The Island Bus offers a convenient and low-cost method of transport, operating regular schedules around the island of Rarotonga. Check with your hotel for current pricing and try to have the correct change available.
Driving – The standard left-hand rule applies to driving in the Cook Islands. Visitors 16 and over can drive in the Cook Islands on their existing US driver’s license.
Visitors will be allowed to drive only the class of motor vehicle they are entitled to drive in their home country. If a visitor wants to ride a scooter or motorbike in the Cook Islands and is not licensed to do so at home, he or she will still have to obtain a Cook Islands Driving License. This involves both a theory test and a practical test at the Police Headquarters in Avarua during their open testing hours, as well as the payment of fees for the tests and license.
Visitors whose license is written in a language other than English will need an accurate translation.
Road rules are strict when it comes to speed and drinking and driving, so it’s important to obey all local laws.
Vehicle and Bicycle Rentals – Motor scooters are popular among locals, and some visitors. We suggest scooter rentals for experienced riders only; helmets for both driver and passenger are required for all non-residents in Rarotonga. Car rentals are available from local rental agencies.
Bicycles are a great way to get around the island at a more relaxed pace and can easily be rented if your accommodation does not have bikes available for use.
The Cook Islands climate is warm and tropical year-round with two distinct seasons. The dry/winter season (April-November) with an average temperature of 79°F; and the wet/summer season (December-March) with higher humidity, tropical showers, and an average temperate around 82°F. Although it rains in the summer months, showers are typically intermittent and followed by quickly clearing skies.
Exploring the Cook Islands is easy and fun. While in Rarotonga, you can take part in a variety of fun activities and adventures. Most of our itineraries will have some combination of these activities available for you to experience, according to your interests: snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, lagoon cruises, fishing, biking, off-roading, markets, cultural tours and pub crawls.
For active travelers, Pa’s Island Trek is a must, as is kayaking or stand up paddle boarding from Muri Beach. Several companies offer Lagoon Cruises where you can snorkel and enjoy a typical island BBQ lunch with cultural entertainment. Renting a car to explore the beaches around the island is another great way to indulge in the local culture and island life.
For cultural immersion, we suggest the Te Vara Cultural Village and an island night dinner and entertainment at Te Vara Nui, or at the more traditional Highland Paradise.
With over 100 restaurants and bars on Rarotonga, the entire island is your resort! Dining out is all part of the experience, with everything from fresh seafood at a walk-up stand to fine dining with your toes in the sand. Local food markets are a great way to mingle with the islanders and taste the local specialties! The Muri Night Market is open four nights a week, on Sun/Tue/Wed/Thu. The Punanaga Nui Market on Saturday mornings is ideal for souvenir shopping on your final day in Rarotonga, and we suggest arriving no later than 9am to get the full dining and shopping experience.
Be sure Aitutaki is on your list, either for a day tour or longer stay. Snorkel and cruise the beautiful lagoon and be sure to bring your passport for a special stamp at the one and only One Foot Island.
There is a variety of accommodation styles in the Cook Islands, however our focus is on the smaller, more intimate and boutique properties. In these small resorts, it is common for the staff to quickly learn your names and preferences and to make you feel at home. Let us know if you prefer a traditional hotel or resort experience with full facilities and amenities, or if a self-catering bungalow or villa is more your style!
Passports & Visas – Passport with six months remaining validity after your return date is required for entry, along with a ticket for return or onward travel. A visa is not required for US Citizens with a stay of less than 31 days.
For more information on entry/exit requirements and the most current visa information, visit Cook Islands Tourism.
Tipping – Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook Islands custom.
Power Adapter – The electric current is 240 AC 50Hz, and the plug is a flat, but angled, two- or three-pronged plug (same as New Zealand and Australia). If plugging in an appliance or device from the US, you will need a plug adaptor. If your appliances or devices are 110V and do not have a voltage range capacity, you will also need a voltage converter.
Currency – The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the currency used in the Cook Islands. Local Cook Island notes and coinage are also used locally. Major credit cards (especially Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted and local currency can be obtained from banks and ATMs.
Outdoor Safety – While enjoying outdoor activities in the Cook Islands, be ‘sun smart’ and minimize your exposure. The sun is stronger in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in their summertime. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, cover up, and frequently apply high SPF water-resistant sunscreen.
For more in-depth details on travel to the Cook Islands, you may want to view the FAQ page on the Cook Islands Tourism website.
Cook Islanders are closely related to the Maori of New Zealand and Tahiti, both of which have shaped the traditions and customs that give the people of the Cooks their own unique identity.
Island Nights are available most days of the week and provide an opportunity to learn more about the culture, see a dance performance, and enjoy a traditional local meal.
Religion remains an integral part of the Cook Island culture today. Church celebrations on the islands are colorful and festive. Visitors are welcome to join in the celebration of faith at any of the local churches on Sundays.
One of the best ways to connect with the friendly locals is to visit the vibrant Punanga Nui Market in Rarotonga on Saturday mornings. You will find a good selection of island fashions, arts, crafts, and local food and drink!
Official languages are Cook Islands Maori (also called Rarotongan) and English, which is widely spoken.
Flights – Hawaiian Airlines offers weekly non-stop service from Honolulu to Rarotonga once weekly, currently on Saturday. Flights are on a red-eye schedule in both directions with a flight time of approximately 6.25 hours and you will remain on the same side of the Dateline. Alternatively, you can connect through New Zealand in either direction. Air Rarotonga has a network of flights within the country to reach the outer islands. Our Travel Designers are experts on international and local flights and can arrange all logistics.
Public Transport – The Island Bus offers a convenient and low-cost method of transport, operating regular schedules around the island of Rarotonga. Check with your hotel for current pricing and try to have the correct change available.
Driving – The standard left-hand rule applies to driving in the Cook Islands. Visitors 16 and over can drive in the Cook Islands on their existing US driver’s license.
Visitors will be allowed to drive only the class of motor vehicle they are entitled to drive in their home country. If a visitor wants to ride a scooter or motorbike in the Cook Islands and is not licensed to do so at home, he or she will still have to obtain a Cook Islands Driving License. This involves both a theory test and a practical test at the Police Headquarters in Avarua during their open testing hours, as well as the payment of fees for the tests and license.
Visitors whose license is written in a language other than English will need an accurate translation.
Road rules are strict when it comes to speed and drinking and driving, so it’s important to obey all local laws.
Vehicle and Bicycle Rentals – Motor scooters are popular among locals, and some visitors. We suggest scooter rentals for experienced riders only; helmets for both driver and passenger are required for all non-residents in Rarotonga. Car rentals are available from local rental agencies.
Bicycles are a great way to get around the island at a more relaxed pace and can easily be rented if your accommodation does not have bikes available for use.
The Cook Islands climate is warm and tropical year-round with two distinct seasons. The dry/winter season (April-November) with an average temperature of 79°F; and the wet/summer season (December-March) with higher humidity, tropical showers, and an average temperate around 82°F. Although it rains in the summer months, showers are typically intermittent and followed by quickly clearing skies.
Exploring the Cook Islands is easy and fun. While in Rarotonga, you can take part in a variety of fun activities and adventures. Most of our itineraries will have some combination of these activities available for you to experience, according to your interests: snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, lagoon cruises, fishing, biking, off-roading, markets, cultural tours and pub crawls.
For active travelers, Pa’s Island Trek is a must, as is kayaking or stand up paddle boarding from Muri Beach. Several companies offer Lagoon Cruises where you can snorkel and enjoy a typical island BBQ lunch with cultural entertainment. Renting a car to explore the beaches around the island is another great way to indulge in the local culture and island life.
For cultural immersion, we suggest the Te Vara Cultural Village and an island night dinner and entertainment at Te Vara Nui, or at the more traditional Highland Paradise.
With over 100 restaurants and bars on Rarotonga, the entire island is your resort! Dining out is all part of the experience, with everything from fresh seafood at a walk-up stand to fine dining with your toes in the sand. Local food markets are a great way to mingle with the islanders and taste the local specialties! The Muri Night Market is open four nights a week, on Sun/Tue/Wed/Thu. The Punanaga Nui Market on Saturday mornings is ideal for souvenir shopping on your final day in Rarotonga, and we suggest arriving no later than 9am to get the full dining and shopping experience.
Be sure Aitutaki is on your list, either for a day tour or longer stay. Snorkel and cruise the beautiful lagoon and be sure to bring your passport for a special stamp at the one and only One Foot Island.
There is a variety of accommodation styles in the Cook Islands, however our focus is on the smaller, more intimate and boutique properties. In these small resorts, it is common for the staff to quickly learn your names and preferences and to make you feel at home. Let us know if you prefer a traditional hotel or resort experience with full facilities and amenities, or if a self-catering bungalow or villa is more your style!
Passports & Visas – Passport with six months remaining validity after your return date is required for entry, along with a ticket for return or onward travel. A visa is not required for US Citizens with a stay of less than 31 days.
For more information on entry/exit requirements and the most current visa information, visit Cook Islands Tourism.
Tipping – Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook Islands custom.
Power Adapter – The electric current is 240 AC 50Hz, and the plug is a flat, but angled, two- or three-pronged plug (same as New Zealand and Australia). If plugging in an appliance or device from the US, you will need a plug adaptor. If your appliances or devices are 110V and do not have a voltage range capacity, you will also need a voltage converter.
Currency – The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the currency used in the Cook Islands. Local Cook Island notes and coinage are also used locally. Major credit cards (especially Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted and local currency can be obtained from banks and ATMs.
Outdoor Safety – While enjoying outdoor activities in the Cook Islands, be ‘sun smart’ and minimize your exposure. The sun is stronger in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in their summertime. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, cover up, and frequently apply high SPF water-resistant sunscreen.
For more in-depth details on travel to the Cook Islands, you may want to view the FAQ page on the Cook Islands Tourism website.
Cook Islanders are closely related to the Maori of New Zealand and Tahiti, both of which have shaped the traditions and customs that give the people of the Cooks their own unique identity.
Island Nights are available most days of the week and provide an opportunity to learn more about the culture, see a dance performance, and enjoy a traditional local meal.
Religion remains an integral part of the Cook Island culture today. Church celebrations on the islands are colorful and festive. Visitors are welcome to join in the celebration of faith at any of the local churches on Sundays.
One of the best ways to connect with the friendly locals is to visit the vibrant Punanga Nui Market in Rarotonga on Saturday mornings. You will find a good selection of island fashions, arts, crafts, and local food and drink!
Official languages are Cook Islands Maori (also called Rarotongan) and English, which is widely spoken.
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