Photo of Cook Islands

About Cook Islands

A collection of 15 breathtaking islands in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands boast verdant mountains framed by beautiful white sand beaches, and brilliant blue lagoons. Popular with holidaymakers from Australia, New Zealand and the region, the islands have remained less-visited by travellers from further afield. Many of the best places to stay in the Cook Islands are family-owned hotels and resorts, infused with warmth and plenty of laid-back charm.

Rarotonga, the largest of the islands, is home to the country’s international airport. Keen adventurers can cycle around the island, stopping at heritage sites and viewpoints, or trek into the lush mountains, spotting waterfalls and endemic birds on the popular Cross Island Hike. To the north, the smaller island of Aitutaki — home to some of the best hotels in the Cook Islands — is encircled by a tranquil lagoon, little white-sand islets and a reef teeming with fish and coral.

Water sports enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to kayak, paddle board sail and wind surf. When the wind is blowing, this is also one of the world’s best kite surfing spots. Dive beneath the waves to discover a colourful underwater world, or take the whole family to snorkel at marvellous sites. Guided tours of conservation areas with resident biologists come highly recommended, too. This island nation is rich in ancient culture, too — don’t miss the chance to delve into the history and culture of the Cook Islands over the course of your trip.

The Best Places to Stay in the Cook Islands

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Rarotonga International Airport, and continue to your hotel by boat or car. Connecting flights to other nearby islands -- including to Aitutaki -- run fairly regularly. Speak to your resort in advance to arrange an airport transfer.
  • Explore the Cook Islands by car! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • The Cook Islands' climate is warm and tropical, with temperatures of around 25-30°C for much of the year. Travel during the dry season — April to November — for sunshine and pleasant temperatures. You can expert slightly hotter weather and more humidity between December and March. Visit outside the school holidays for great deals and quieter hotels.

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Cook Islands

  • The Passage Villas Cook Islands 8 rooms from CA$224

    Families  -  Families will adore airy villas (including kitchenettes) with space for 4 guests — plus a lovely seaside pool and gardens
    Value chic  -  A laid-back choice for more affordable Cook Island holidays, with a rustic bar & kitchenettes in pretty villas
    Local markets  -  Foodies will love sampling sizzling snacks at the Muri Night Markets, within strolling distance of the villas
    Wildlife Area  -  Spot whales from the beach between June and November each year, or swim with turtles in clear waters
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    An intimate collection of eight pretty whitewashed villas on Rarotonga's east coast. Interiors feature warm teal-green & light pink textiles, with cosy beds and rattan lampshades. Spaces have simple kitchenettes and sea view balconies. The rustic bar and saltwater pool add to the relaxed ambience. See More

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  • Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel & Villas Titikaveka, Rarotonga, Cook Islands 17 rooms from CA$265

    Beach Life  -  A simple, beachfront hotel on the pristine white sands of Rarotonga's south coast, perfect for guests of all ages
    Active Holiday  -  Close to snorkelling & diving spots, sailing and kite surfing opportunities, as well as hikes and markets
    Local markets  -  Sample island specialities and pick up fabulous souvenirs at the Punanga Nui Markets each Saturday
    Wildlife Area  -  Spot humpback whales between July and October, or swim with turtles in clear seas
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenViewsNo pets

    A laid-back seaside hotel on the pristine white sands of Titikaveka Beach. Comfortable studios are set on three levels, all with ocean views, balconies, modern bathrooms and kitchenettes. Pacific fusion cuisine awaits at the relaxed restaurant, and the vibe is appealingly easy going. See More

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  • Crown Beach Resort & Spa Arorangi, Cook Islands 36 rooms from CA$297

    Honeymoons  -  Private villas with plunge pools & romantic beach dinners are perfect for honeymooners eager to hide away in utter tranquility
    Weddings  -  A wonderful venue for weddings and events, with an excellent planning & catering team, plus a stunning seaside setting
    Local markets  -  The Saturday morning Punanga Nui Market will delight foodies as well as shoppers in search of handicrafts & souvenirs
    Great walks  -  Follow the Cross Island Trek into the island's verdant mountains, or admire dazzling sunsets on the Raemaru Track
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A lively, adults-only resort on Rarotonga's north-western coast. Overlooking a dazzling stretch of white sand, this collection of comfortable white-and-cream villas — some with plunge pools — promises a real sense of privacy. Relaxed dining, a small spa, lagoon and swimming pool seal the deal! See More

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  • Muri Beachcomber Muri, Rarotonga, Cook Islands 22 rooms from CA$298

    Cycling  -  Hop aboard the hotel's bicycles to ride along the 31km outer ring road which marks points of interest around the island
    Value chic  -  An affordable Muri Beach choice for families, couples or groups, with kitchens for budget-friendly holidays
    Families  -  Two-bedroom Family Garden Units are ideal for those with older children, who will love the beach & pool
    Watersports  -  Free use of kayaks, paddle boards. snorkels & masks, plus nearby kite surfing and sailing opportunities
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A group of 22 simple, one- & two-bedroom units in lush gardens overlooking marvellous Muri Beach. Airy spaces have whitewashed interiors, modern kitchens, sitting rooms & smart bathrooms. There's a swimming pool, plus complimentary bicycles, kayaks & snorkels. A budget-friendly family favourite. See More

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  • Moana Sands Lagoon Resort Rarotonga, Cook Islands 24 rooms from CA$310

    Romantic Break  -  An adults-only hotel with just 24 suites, this is a lovely spot for those looking to unwind with a superb spa & sea views
    Value chic  -  A more affordable, laid-back choice than some of the area's resorts, with attractive studios in a fabulous location
    Great walks  -  The nearby Maire Nui Gardens and Cafe are ideal for a scenic stroll — as is glorious Tikioki Beach
    Trekking  -  Follow the Cross Island Trek up to the Needle for dramatic views of the island with an expert guide
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A laid-back beachfront spot with 24 airy guest rooms featuring big cosy beds & sea-facing terraces. Simple & comfortable, this adults-only hotel boasts a lively restaurant-bar, swimming pool and soothing spa, all within sight of the glittering Muri Lagoon. Warm, welcoming & understated. See More

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  • Ocean Escape Resort & Spa Muri, Rarotonga, Cook Islands 12 rooms from CA$373

    Groups  -  A relaxed boutique bolthole for groups of friends who can book multiple villas & gather for tapas & cocktails by the pool
    Snorkelling  -  Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the lagoon, with various striking sites including the famed 'Fruits of Rarotonga'
    Romantic Break  -  An adults only choice with just 12 villas, striking ocean views and a rejuvenating spa — very romantic!
    Fishing  -  Head out on day-long fishing charters to catch enormous tuna, marlin and mahi-mahi with friends
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenViewsNo pets

    An intimate seaside hotel in Muri, with 12 white-painted villas surrounding a refreshing saltwater pool. Duplex villas have contemporary interiors with bright blue, grey & white tones in sitting rooms, double bedrooms, kitchens & ocean-facing terraces. There's a lively tapas bar & serene spa, too. See More

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  • Muri Beach Club Hotel Muri, Cook Islands 30 rooms from CA$452

    Weddings  -  Book the whole hotel for a fun-filled wedding or birthday celebration, with a friendly events team & 30 guest rooms
    Watersports  -  The plethora of water sports on offer include windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, kite-surfing and sailing
    Groups  -  A fabulous adults-only hotel with a lively buzz, regular cocktail evenings & stacks of activities
    Great walks  -  Hike into the lush mountains with the Cross Island Trek, passing waterfalls, fluttering birds & beautiful view points
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Owned by the same family for almost 20 years, this lively little hotel promises a famously warm welcome. Airy rooms face the refreshing pool and pristine white sands, with modern bathrooms and balconies. Guests gather for happy hour, Polynesian fare and off-the-beaten-track adventures. Adult only. See More

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  • Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa Muri, Rarotonga, Cook Islands 13 rooms from CA$479

    Families  -  Families will adore private villas with up to three bedrooms, plus plunge pools, great kitchens and soothing spa
    Beach Life  -  Perched at the tranquil end of Muri Beach, this is an idylic base for luxurious seaside holidays
    Fishing  -  Take the whole family out fishing for big tuna, mahi-mahi or marlin, with private charters leaving from the harbour
    Great walks  -  The six kilometre Cross Island Trek is wonderful for keen hikers, with lush mountains, waterfalls & dramatic views
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A group of 13 luxury villas — some with multiple bedrooms — at the secluded end of Muri beach & lagoon. Draped four-poster beds sit beneath pitched ceilings, with polished wooden French doors framing lush gardens and sea views. Plunge pools, well-equipped kitchens & a soothing spa add to the appeal. See More

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  • Pacific Resort Rarotonga Muri, Cook Islands 64 rooms from CA$497

    Families  -  A family-friendly favourite, with multi-bedroom villas, a fun kids club, children's pool & water sports
    Beach Life  -  Set on the marvellous Muri Lagoon, this is a fabulous choice for a memorable beach break
    Kids Club  -  The complimentary Pacific Kids' Club offers interactive cultural & beach focused activities for 6-12 year olds
    Great walks  -  Self-guided garden tours are a brilliant way to get a sense of the island's lush native flora
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A fantastic family-friendly resort on magical Muri Lagoon. Therooms, suites & villas set on six acres of gardens are decorated in soothing earthy tones, with natural materials inspired by Polynesian traditions. Think dazzling sea views, kayaking & paddle boarding, a relaxed eatery & a sense of fun. See More

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  • Little Polynesian Resort Titikaveka, Cook Islands 14 rooms from CA$514

    Honeymoons  -  An adults only escape for romantics and honeymooners, with just 14 luxe studios & bungalows facing the sea
    Snorkelling  -  The nearby Fruits of Rarotonga is one of the island's best snorkelling spots, teeming with marine life
    Hideaway  -  A tranquil hideaway in the southeastern part of Rarotonga, with a laid-back, quiet sense of bliss
    Great walks  -  Follow jungle trails and clamber up volcanic peaks on the Cross Island Trek or the Raemaru Track — famed for splendid sunsets
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    An indulgent collection of just 14 light-filled beach bungalows & garden studios in palm-fringed gardens. Thatched roofs hide cosy spaces with polished wooden floors & beds topped with white linens, plus sea-facing terraces. An adults-only gem promising a warm welcome & intimate hideaway vibe. See More

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  • Te Vakaroa Villas Muri, Rarotonga, Cook Islands 6 rooms from CA$828

    Groups  -  Book a two-bedroom villa for a memorable holiday with friends, complete with expansive terrace seating & private chef options
    Honeymoons  -  Indulgent one-bedroom villas with big four-posters, private courtyards & superb sea views are ideal for romantic honeymoons
    Local markets  -  The Punanga Nui Cultural Market has a lively buzz each Saturday morning, with souvenirs and street food aplenty
    Fishing  -  Anglers will be thrilled with day-long charters, catching big-game fish including tuna, marlin and mahi-mahi
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Six sensational villas in a gated garden overlooking mesmerising Muri Beach. Designed by a leading NZ architect, contemporary spaces frame dazzling views and reflect a fresh take on Polynesian design. Villas have kitchens, dining spaces & terraces, and there's a shared pool and hot tub. A delight. See More

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  • Pacific Resort Aitutaki Cook Islands 29 rooms from CA$927

    Total relaxation  -  A beautiful boutique escape on Aitutaki, perfect for those dreaming of lazy beach days, marvellous massages & sunshine
    Honeymoons  -  Charming bungalows with sea views have traditional roofs & pretty patterns — an idyllic honeymoon hideaway
    Fishing  -  Avid anglers will adore bone fishing in the Aitutaki Lagoon, home to some of the largest bone fish in the world
    Restaurant  -  Savour delicious fine dining at the elegant Rapae Bay Restaurant and more casual bites at Black Rock Bar
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    Fans of secluded luxury need look no further than this beautiful boutique escape on Aitutaki's north-western shore. Charming suites & bungalows have a classic feel, with woven roofs, carved wooden furnishings & original artwork. Expect expansive lagoon views & a blissful sense of serenity. See More

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