The following is a Cook Islands accommodation quick guide: Avarua Town on the NORTH COAST of the main island of Rarotonga is the administration centre with shops, restaurants and bars as well as the international airport. The town makes for a good base with affordable accommodation although there is no swimming beach. The North East Coast is the most rural region on Rarotonga with quiet village settings, stunning mountain views and wild wind swept beaches (non-swimming). There are a few self contained beach cottages along this coastline which are ideal for those wanting privacy.

The most popular beach area is at MURI on the South East Coast with its ideal lagoon for swimming and views of several small uninhabited islands. Muri has the highest concentration of accommodations including several medium to small resorts, a few backpacker hostels and lots of self contained beach cottages and holiday homes. There's several good restaurants here and a few small shops for provisions.

The best snorkelling lagoons are along the quiet SOUTH COAST with deserted sandy beaches and lush mountain scenes and is ideal for those looking for more privacy although restaurants here are few.

The WEST COAST has the second highest concentration of accommodations, although only a few properties sit side by side. The attraction of this coastline is its long sweeping beach (although in places not good for swimming), beautiful sunsets and protection from the tradewinds. There are also lots of independent restaurants for those who like to dine out.

AITUTAKI is a lagoon island 45-minutes flight north of Rarotonga with lovely beaches, day cruises around uninhabited islands and there are several small resorts and self cater bungalows to choose from.


Our Pick of the Cook Islands Accommodations :


Luxury Accommodation

Akaiami Lodge -
Aitutaki Lagoon
set on a beautiful white sandy beach with a pristine turquoise snorkelling lagoon

Little Polynesian -
South Rarotonga
delightful contemporary / polynesian bungalows on great snorkelling beach

Crown Beach Resort -
Aitutaki Lagoon
spacious resort with 23 bungalows, nice pool and beachside setting

Aitutaki Beach Resort -
Aitutaki Lagoon
delightful beach and lagoon setting on private island off Aitutaki

Deluxe Accommodation

Muri Beach Club -
Muri, East Rarotonga
located on a fantastic section of Muri Beach with a clear lagoon out front with views

Pacific Resort -
Muri Beach, East Rarotonga
medium size resort in landscaped gardens on prime beachfront with activities

Manuia Beach Hotel -
West Rarotonga
set amongst tropical flora are 24 comfortable traditional thatched buildings

Standard Accomodation

Aretai Bungalows -
West Aitutaki
a collection of three 2-bedroom villas with separate lounge and kitchen, nice lagoon

Tamanu Beach Hotel -
West Aitutaki
12 deluxe bungalows featuring native mahogany floors, restaurant and bar

Moana Sands Hotel -
South Rarotonga
hotel complex on three floors overlooking white sandy beach, excellent snorkelling

Raina Lagoon Villas -
West Rarotonga
hand crafted bungalows with emphasis on local materials, a total of six bungalows

Castaway Beach Villas -
West Rarotonga
with 12 beachfront units, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the cool breeze

Muri Beachcomber -
Muri Beach, East Rarotonga
self catering bungalows in landscaped gardens fronting popular Muri Beach

Aroa Beachside Inn -
Southwest Rarotonga
double storey wooden buildings with self contained units, all with ocean views

Lagoon Lodges -
Southwest Rarotonga
located on a mountain side in south western Rarotonga, beach also nearby

Palm Grove -
South Rarotonga
excellent value self catering bungalows with beach front and pool

Sunhaven Bungalows -
West Rarotonga
a perfect hideaway on the west side of Rarotonga nestled amongst palm trees

Budget Accommadation

Puaikura Lodge -
South Rarotonga
Excellent value motel rooms across road from quiet beach

Tianas Beach Villas -
Muri Beach, East Rarotonga
units and bungalows on quiet end of Muri Beach

Kia Orana Bungalows -
West Rarotonga
family owned property on the West coast of Rarotonga with the beach nearby

Rau's Guesthouse -
South Rarotonga
fantastic value for money across road from private beach

Vara's Backpackers -
Muri, East Rarotonga
the most popular backpacker hostel in the Cook Islands with a nice social atmosphere

Inano Beach Bungalows -
Ootu, South Aitutaki
six brand new self contained bungalows facing the sheltered lagoon on Aitutaki



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Complete Cook Islands Accommodation Listings




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