Home to over 15 islands and atolls in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands is something of a hidden paradise in the world’s largest ocean. It’s remote, sparsely populated (only around 16,000 people live here), and utterly beautiful. It’s a nation that continues to fly under the radar despite being one of the most idyllic and comfortable island destinations in the world, so we want to get you better acquainted.
If you want to relax on white-sand beaches, explore warm ocean waters, and snorkel through coral gardens, head on a Cook Islands vacation. The nation is home to arguably the most beautiful lagoon in the world in Aitutaki. It’s home to friendly people who make visitors feel like family. It’s also, without a doubt, the most affordable spot to escape in the South Pacific.
The following are some interesting facts you ought to know about the nation, but you should visit the Cook Islands to experience its wonder for yourself. It’s a place to discover your own little paradise in the heart of the South Pacific.
1: There is only one main road on Rarotonga.
There’s only one main road on Rarotonga, the largest island in the Cook Islands. You won’t find any traffic lights and the speed limit is a universal 50 kph (31 mph). People drive on the left and buses only run in two directions (clockwise or anticlockwise). It takes around 40 to 50 minutes to encircle the island.
Why it matters: You don’t need to wonder how to get around if you book a scooter to explore outside your resort or take the bus to other villages on the island. The main road will always get you back to where you need to be.
2. No buildings are taller than a coconut tree.
In the Cook Islands, it’s an old folk law that no building be taller than a coconut tree. There are no skyscrapers, resort structures taller than a few stories, or concrete towers that take over the island skyline.
Why it matters: Buildings are meant to blend into the natural environment in the Cook Islands, so sticking to no higher than a coconut tree means nothing is ever going to supplant the natural environment as the true visual appeal of the nation. You also won’t ever have to worry about anything spoiling your beautiful island view.
3. There are no fast food chains in the Cook Islands.
If you’re looking for McDonalds in the Cook Islands, you won’t find it. In fact, there are no fast food chains of any kind in the nation. Instead, Cook Islanders focus on local ingredients for their dishes, which run the gamut from ika mata, a refreshing dish of fresh fish marinated in lime or lemon juice, to rukau, which is taro leaves cooked with coconut milk, as well as all manner of grilled meats and fresh tropical fruits.
Why it matters: You can expect fresh and local cuisine in the Cook Islands, which is important for sustainability, but also lets you experience the local culture through the food. If you love seafood, you’re going to be in heaven here, but even if you’re more into grilled meats or are a vegetarian, you’ll find the freshness of the cuisine a welcome respite from fast and fried food at home.
4. It’s easy to connect to the Cook Islands via Hawai’i.
The Cook Islands is a remote nation. If you head due south, the next stop is Antarctica. But it’s not hard to connect to. In fact, there are many convenient connections to Rarotonga via Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines. There are also connections to other South Pacific destinations such as French Polynesia, which makes it easy to pair together the nations on a beach vacation, such as on Tropical Vows & Tahitian Bliss.
Why it matters: It’s only a 6-hour flight from Honolulu to Rarotonga. Considering that Honolulu enjoys connections with over 15 gateway cities across North America, it’s not nearly as hard as you might think to get to the Cook Islands for a vacation.
5. The Cook Islands is a great long-stay destination in the winter.
The Cook Islands enjoys year-round warm temperatures, with sunny days and comfortable nights. The winter months of July and August are likely the most popular, as Australians and New Zealanders visit during their winter holidays, but the nation is also great in the North American winter months. It’s warm and sunny year-round in the Cook Islands. Even when it rains, it is typically restricted to a bit in the morning or afternoon—never enough to dampen your stay.
Why it matters: If you want to escape the snow back home, the Cook Islands is an ideal destination. It’s affordable to rent an apartment-style hotel room for several weeks and the weather is great year-round, averaging around 26°C (79°F) from April to November and between 22°C (71°F) and 30°C (80°F) from December to March. Goway’s Endless Summer Cook Islands Longstay Escape with Airfare is the ideal way to escape for weeks at a time to the Cook Islands.
6. Church is a big deal in the Cook Islands.
Sunday morning church service is arguably the most important event of the week in the Cook Islands. Held in beautiful white coral and limestone churches across the islands, Sunday service is a chance for people to dress their best and gather with their community. Church captures the centrality of community, faith, and family in Cook Islander culture.
Why it matters: If you want to meet people, experience local culture, and enjoy wonderful music, head to church. Even if you’ve never set foot in a church in your life, you’ll likely enjoy the experience and get to meet a lot of locals.
7. The Cook Islands is governed in free association with New Zealand.
This means that Cook Islanders are citizens of New Zealand and use the New Zealand dollar. They share the same head of state as New Zealand (the British monarch, King Charles III) and citizens hold New Zealand passports. Most of the population is Cook Islands Māori, which has connections to New Zealand Māori, while still being its own distinct Polynesian ethnic group.
Why it matters: You can use New Zealand dollars when visiting the Cook Islands (although Cook Island dollars are also their own unique thing). This is great for Americans in particular, as their money goes a long way. As well, there is no tipping and the price you see is what you pay, as taxes are already included. You can also consider connecting to New Zealand when visiting the Cook Islands. The two countries make natural travel partners and visiting both takes advantage of the flight times and geography.
How to head on a Cook Islands vacation?
Goway has many Cook Islands vacation packages that can get you on your way to this South Pacific nation. Sunset Shores Cook Islands Escape with Airfare is a 10-day beach vacation staying at a boutique property on Rarotonga. The 9-day Essence of the Cook Islands splits time between the most popular islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa spends 6 days in a luxury resort, a member of Goway’s Idyllic Retreats collection, while Aitutaki Bliss focuses its 6 days on Aitutaki itself. No matter which package you start with, we can tailor it to your specific interests. It’s time to learn more about the Cook Islands and experience its tropical bliss for yourself.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
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