Spotlight: The Cook Islands

The first question everyone asks when we say we’re going to the Cook Islands is: where? Before a trade show event with the Cook Islands tourism board, I wasn’t quite sure myself. I learned about “a little paradise” and its 15 islands and immediately planned a trip to explore. The island mostly comprises tourists from New Zealand as they have political ties, the New Zealand dollar is the local currency, and flights are an easy jump away from Auckland.

Air New Zealand recently started a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, which greatly opened the American market. We take the only two nonstop flights out of LAX, which means you leave on a Saturday night (arrive Sunday morning), and depart Friday night (return Saturday morning). Air New Zealand is a truly top-notch airline. Their premium economy experience with select gourmet dining options and local NZ wines is delightful. They also offer a unique economy product, the sky couch, which allows a row of seats to turn into a bench for families. We used this on the way home and it was great to curl up and nap.

The Cook Islands pair great with New Zealand (the nonstop flight back to the US routes through Auckland) and other Pacific islands like Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Fiji (though connecting flight times can be challenging). Although, many people we met while we were there were taking advantage of those nonstop LAX flight and just enjoying their full 6 days on the islands.

If you’re looking for five-star over-water bungalows, head down the ocean to Bora Bora, but if you’re looking for off-the-beaten path adventure and local, cultural experiences, head to the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Trip Itinerary

Aitutaki (3 nights)  & Rartonga (2 nights)

Duration: 6 days
Month: May-June
Hotels: Pacific Resort Aitutaki (Aiututaki) →  Little Polynesian  (Raratonga) 

Day 1: Arrive in Aitutaki

The flight from LAX lands around 7 a.m. so plan accordingly to get on the first flight to Aitutaki. We unfortunately couldn’t get on the first flight and had about 6 hours to kill. We found a nice breakfast across from the airport inside the Island Hotel and took in our first Cook Islands sunrise. You can also look into day hotel rates on the island as the flights depart super late, and arrive super early. We found a bike rental company and explored Black Rock Beach and went through the town of Avarua. Keep in mind since the flight arrives Sundays morning most everyone is in church, which by the way you’re encouraged to attend and hear some lovely hymnals and see some beautiful big hats.

The time for our flight to Aitutaki finally came and we crammed into a tiny plane. The weight needed to be balanced out between us few passenger and this meant I got to ride in the cockpit with the pilots! The flight itself could be considered a tour as the views of the Aitutaki lagoon are unreal. Upon arrival, friendly faces greet you with a lei into the one-gate airport.

Once we get to the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, we officially felt all burdens melt away.  The welcome drink is a fresh coconut. Doesnt’ get better than that! We spent our first night exploring the resort, our private strip of beach, and chilling in the hammock.

Day 2: Aitutaki Lagoon Boat Excursion

I have the good fortune of meeting many people in the travel industry. I met a charter boat captain, Teking,  who operates tours on the island of Aitutaki a year prior in Newport Beach, CA. He now was picking us up for a day cruise with his team. We had a blast visiting the remote islands, enjoying snorkeling, learning about local cultures and foods. We even got our passport stamped on One Foot Island where there happens to be a tiny post office in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Days 3-5: Rarotonga

Our friend Teking picked us up the next morning and took us around the island of Aiutaki to learn about his home. He took us to the top of the island for a beautiful view and then to a delightful lunch at Koru Cafe. It was time to say goodbye to our beautiful bungalow and 5-star luxury experience at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki.

We got back to Rarotonga in the dark and made our way to our first dinner at Charlie’s in Akapuao Beach in Titikaveka. Little did we know this would be one of our many meals here and we’d make friends with the local musician. The fish sandwiches are straight from ocean and huge! They have local beer on tap,  an assortment of cocktails and the temperature is just right to sit outside and listen to the waves.

Bike Ride with Eco Storytellers

By this time we had seen plenty of beach and decided we wanted to explore inland so we decided to take a bike tour of the island with Eco Storytellers. The tour began with an introduction to Uncle Jimmy, who would be our tour guide extraordinaire for the next 4 hours. After a brief introduction to our bikes along with the standard safety instructions, we were off. Uncle Jimmy guided us in and out of the island as only a real local could. We stopped every 5-10 minutes for a quick story, brief history, or a quick snack (fresh fruit picked directly from the trees). I learned that my distaste for papaya was completely misplaced (add lemon and it becomes a completely different experience, and quite delectable).

We also learned about the importance of the coconut to the culture of the locals, as well as how land might be purchased (hint: it’s not). We made stops at a local school to say hi to some of the children during recess as well as a local pineapple farm (a secret passion of Uncle Jimmy’s, it turns out). Once the tour was over, we headed back to HQ  for a delicious local lunch.

Highland Paradise Island Night

Island Night is to the Cook Islands as a Luau is to the Hawaiian Islands, that is to say, a bit touristy, but an absolute must. Especially if you visit Highland Paradise. This is the night where you get to experience all there is to experience of the history and culture of the Cook Islands. We ate a traditional Umu (underground oven) feast while we watched a spectacular stage show that included a rare, authentic performance of the ancient heritage from the era of Pre-Christian times up to today.

The dancers, musicians, chefs, barmen and guides are all descendants of Ariki (High Chief) Tinomana and most are understudied by village children so to leave a legacy for the future. For this one special night, we were truly transported back to the tribal days of the Cook Islands.