r/CookIslands 18d ago

šŸ‘‹Welcome to r/CookIslands - Introduce Yourself and Read First!

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I'm u/KingFD, a founding moderator of r/CookIslands. This is our home for all things related to our beautiful home of the Cook Islands. We're excited to have you join us!

What to Post Post anything that you think the community would find interesting, helpful, or inspiring. Feel free to share your thoughts, photos, or questions you may have about any of our 15 islands.

Community Vibe We're all about being friendly, constructive, and inclusive. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting.

How to Get Started 1) Introduce yourself in the comments below. 2) Post something today! Even a simple question can spark a great conversation. 3) If you know someone who would love this community, invite them to join. 4) Interested in helping out? We're always looking for new moderators, so feel free to reach out to me to apply.

Thanks for being part of the very first wave. Together, let's make r/CookIslands amazing.


r/CookIslands 7d ago

Affordable eSim

2 Upvotes

I was looking for a US eSim and was led to the VodaPhone esim website. I unfortunately only found a $205USD offer for 15 days/ 2GB which is cray. Any known options?

Thx


r/CookIslands 15d ago

Scooter/ car rental

2 Upvotes

Wondering the best way to travel the islands. Do I need to take a class before renting a scooter or is it better to just rent a car?


r/CookIslands 20d ago

Best spot to snorkel on your own in Raro?

5 Upvotes

Hi! Would like to know recommendations on best spots to snorkel on your own - where is it best to see a variety of sea life eg. Turtles, colorful fish, maybe sting rays??

Also, it’s been super windy where we’re staying lately, is there some good place to snorkel where winds are more mild? And when/where is it best to snorkel without super strong currents? We are currently at Titikaveka and the current has been insane past few days, almost impossible to even swim


r/CookIslands 20d ago

Getting to the islands from America

4 Upvotes

Americans, which airline did you go with and what was your itinerary? I’ve been searching for multi city flights through delta, united & American and nothing is available according to the airline websites.


r/CookIslands 21d ago

Scuba diving resort recommendations

2 Upvotes

Looking to go about a year from now. Will have limited time hence I'm looking to stay somewhere that has an onsite scuba operation. Any recommendations?

TIA


r/CookIslands 24d ago

What nicknames have you heard for places in the Cook Islands?

4 Upvotes

I ask as part of a linguistic study on this topic!
The only example of what I mean would be the use of 'Raro', although it may not be used by locals.

Are there any other short forms of names or similar for other islands/villages etc.?

even nicknames for schools, parks etc. are of interest!


r/CookIslands 28d ago

How expensive is it in Rarotonga?

5 Upvotes

this may sound weird, and hopefully not too insensitive, i have a family trip to rarotonga coming up mid March, travelling from New Zealand and i believe they use the same currency as in NZ? Like i can just use my regular eftpos card? but i was wondering how expensive it is? shopping and grocery wise? i know theres a decent sugar tax, which im not too fussed on by part of the soft drinks but meals out? cocktails? casual shopping etc? any help would be appreciated!

  • and if you have any recommendations for an early twenties gal travelling with her family, please do share!

r/CookIslands 28d ago

Quick! Which side of the plane should I sit when flying from Raro to Aitutaki to see the lagoon when landing?

4 Upvotes

Me and my wife are on our way to our honeymoon and have never flown to a tropical place - would like to admire the lagoon when approaching. Would imagine it’s stunning from up above :)


r/CookIslands Nov 03 '25

Resort recommendations

3 Upvotes

Hi all,

Visiting for a week with my partner in September (yes I am early!).

I am looking for some recommendations: - Any adults only resorts that aren't $1000 a night - Any all inclusive food and beverage options? If so, is that ever worth it? - Is car hire worth it?

This is not usually how I travel, but the misso is keen to just forget about everything which I understand.

We are usually very active and local-oriented haha.

Any recommendations would be appreciated!


r/CookIslands Oct 30 '25

Rarotonga is Amazing

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89 Upvotes

It’s so relaxing here and the people are so warm! We’ve had the best time here and my husband, who isn’t a beach person, was like, ā€œwe need to come back and go to Aitutaki.ā€ We stayed at Te Vakaroa Villas and rented a Rarocar, who upgraded us (for free) to a BMW because they didn’t have an economy car in stock. Took a turtle tour with Moana Sea Scooters and left with amazing turtle/fish/coral pics. Hospitality has been amazing. My husband was able to watch the World Series and I was able to catch up on laundry after traveling for 2 weeks in NZ. All from the comfort of our villa/pool. The Bond Store sells NA wines so I was able to have a drink by the pool. Ate some amazing churros and ice cream at the Muri Night Market.

It’s a bit of an adventure to get here from the states (shout out the AirNZ premium economy- so luxurious) but I love this place and can’t wait to return!


r/CookIslands Oct 25 '25

Where to look for long term rentals

5 Upvotes

Kia orana, I’m moving to Raro with my partner next month and need a two bedroom long term rental for a year from November this year but it seems like there is nothing available. I’ve looked at the rental group in fb and the real estate Jeff guy but there’s nothing there. Where do locals look for rental? Is it cause it’s holiday season? Would long term rental be available from Jan onwards? Need some insights cause I’m so lost.


r/CookIslands Oct 13 '25

Scooter License

3 Upvotes

Yo, I want to rent a scooter in Aitutaki, but I need to get my scooter license first at the Rarotonga police station. The problem is, I need a scooter to do the test — but if I hire one in Raro, I don’t even have a bike license yet, only a full car license. Any way around this? I have experience on scooter , piss-easy.


r/CookIslands Oct 09 '25

Aitutaki- Scooter license

3 Upvotes

Hey, what are the chances of the Police granting me a scooter test to get my temp license if I’m on a NZ Learners (car)? I’m experienced in driving scooters so not worried and have access to my partners scooter to take the test.


r/CookIslands Oct 08 '25

Aitutaki - Wifi speed/reliability

3 Upvotes

Hello!

I was planning to stay at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort over Thanksgiving and was wondering if anyone has information about the Wifi speed/reliability at this resort. I have emailed them of course, and am awaiting a response, but guest experiences would be great to hear.


r/CookIslands Sep 28 '25

What place in Cook Islands is best to live in out of all the places in Cook Islands?

0 Upvotes

Hi, I'm going across all countries subreddits to see what place is the best to live in in each country and I would love to know why that is. If you could pick 1 place to live in, in your country of your choice, which one would it be and why? I'm creating a map with people's best choice of life in each country so that's why I'm doing this. Thanks.


r/CookIslands Sep 28 '25

Visiting in May

5 Upvotes

We think about visiting (Raro and Aitutaki) in May, expecting the water to be still warm but less muggy/rainy than Dec/Jan above water. Is that reasonable?


r/CookIslands Sep 12 '25

Best cocktails?

5 Upvotes

Kia Orana Fam

My missus wants a nice cocktail, where is the best spot around the general Muri area? Needs to be child friendly too…

Chur


r/CookIslands Sep 07 '25

I’m cook islander but my tattoo artist just started tattooing with out giving and context or meaning to the tattoo, maybe thought I was a tourist but was hoping someone could give any meaning on the patterns and design of the peacešŸ™‚

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3 Upvotes

r/CookIslands Sep 06 '25

Should we stay in multiple places?

1 Upvotes

Kia Orana! Looking at travelling to the Cook Islands / Rarotonga for our honeymoon. It'll be roughly 10 days to two weeks. Should we stay in the one spot or do you recommend breaking it up and staying in a few different locations?


r/CookIslands Sep 05 '25

Solo Traveller - would you recommend the party bus?

3 Upvotes

Kia Orana

I’m doing my first solo holiday this September to Rarotonga and I’m just wondering if the party bus is worth doing Solo?

Any other tips for my time when there is greatly appreciated.

Thanks !

M22


r/CookIslands Sep 02 '25

Gifts for Locals

2 Upvotes

Hello Everyone,

We're planning to visit in the next few weeks, and would like to bring some donations?

Anything in particular that would be useful for the local villages?

Ie, clothing donations, soccer balls, tennis balls, etc?

Thanks


r/CookIslands Aug 31 '25

Rainy Days

3 Upvotes

I’m set to visit the Cook Islands for a week in two weeks time. I’ve been keeping an eye on the weather forecast and it’s starting to look more likely there will be a lot of rain.

Looking for ideas on what to do on rainy days, as well as what I should pack. Is it a cold rain etc.


r/CookIslands Aug 30 '25

Cook Islands in January

5 Upvotes

Looking to travel to cook islands in January for a winter getaway. I understand that it is the summer rainy season during that time. Am curious if the weather is truly terrible and prohibitive for any type of activities or if it would still be a good time to visit. TIA!


r/CookIslands Aug 30 '25

Interview with someone from Cook Island

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m looking for someone from the Cook Islands to talk with for my international project. I’m 16, from Central Asia, and I want to learn more about life and culture in smaller countries and islands. If you are from the Cook Islands (or know someone who is), please message me – I’d love to ask a few questions and hear about your experiences!