Where To Stay On Rarotonga, Cook Islands – Best Areas juni 22, 2022 – Posted in: Cook Islands, Travel – Tags: Attractions, Cook Islands, Holiday, Hotels, Rarotonga, Vacation

FANTASTIC HOTELS IN RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS

Are you looking for recommendations for good hotels on Rarotonga – and preferably one at the waterfont? The Pacific Island is just over 67 km², but still there are areas that are particularly good for a holiday. However, when you have not yet visited a holiday destination, it can be difficult to figure out where to book a hotel. Here you get a guide to Rarotonga so you can choose just the area that suits you. And don’t worry about the fact that you may not just live close to the capital city of Avarua. You can get around the whole island in an hour, so the distances don’t really matter.

TOURISM IN RAROTONGA

Before the descriptions of the different holiday areas on Rarotonga, it is in tis place to tell you about how wonderful it is to be a tourist on Rarotonga. In fact, there are not very many guests here, not at all like the tourist hordes in Thailand. And the tourists who are here, have come to enjoy the silence and the nature. They are mainly from New Zealand and Australia – both populations, which is a nice and fun acquaintance.

Rarotonga is surprisingly untouched by tourism. Although there are hotels and resorts very close to the beaches, they are built with respect for nature. When we tell you that Muri Beach there is plenty of life, then it’s by the standards of Rarotonga. In general, the island is peaceful and what you will hear most of the time is the sound of the waves.

So let’s take a tour around the island, clockwise of course. If you need a  map, you can follow the tour around here: Google Maps – Rarotonga. All hotels can be booked directly through Booking.com. See more hotels in Rarotonga by doing your own search here:

Booking.com

WHERE TO STAY IN RAROTONGA

NORTH COAST OF RAROTONGA

On the northern part of Rarotonga is the island’s capital Avarua and the airport. Here you will find most of the island’s shops, restaurants and larger supermarkets. There is a single hostel, but otherwise the hotels are spread out over the island. This is explained by the fact that the bathing opportunities are not as good here as on the rest of the island. However, the local children swim happily in the harbor by Trader Jacks.

Fortunately, the island is no bigger than you can get to Avarua fairly quickly. Find a good hotel somewhere else on the island and then take the bus. Or do as the locals do: hop on a scooter and get wind in your hair.

East of Avarua and on the coast down towards Muri Beach provides space for a host of small bungalows. Here the locals live when they have not settled away from the coast and inland. The area is the least touristy on the island and there are few accommodation options and virtually no shops and entertainment. On the other hand, it is not far down to Muri Beach, where the beautiful lagoon attracts many tourists.

MURI BEACH

Muri Beach on the east side of the island is a holiday area, suitable for you who like a bit of life and party. There is plenty going on here: Parents and small children enjoy themselves in the shallow water side by side with young New Zealanders on bachelor parties. The tour boat sails off the coast to the sound of drums and singing.

Those who would rather sit in the shade can do so at one of the bars. Here, the view of the paradise small islands in the lagoon can be enjoyed in Happy Hour with a Nu, fresh coconut water that quenches the thirst in the heat. When the body needs to cool off, there are few steps to a dip in the coral blue water or maybe just a stroll out to one of the islands.

Are you looking for a comfortable hotel in Muri Beach, then Muri Beach Club Hotel can be recommended. Right next to the lagoon and with free breakfast.

SOUTH COAST OF RAROTONGA

The south-eastern tip of the island at Tikioki Beach is an absolutely magnificent area! Here you are away from the resorts and there is just blue water and silence. Bring your swimming goggles and snorkel, as there is a lot to see underwater. The area is for you want to pay a little extra for a luxury holiday.

On the south-west coast there are several areas where swimming and snorkeling are not recommended. Here the reef opens out towards the sea and it is easy to get drawn out. Keep an eye on the warning signs and respect them. On the other hand, it is also here on the south coast that it is possible to see both turtles and devil rays through the goggles. Diving trips are arranged and sold in many places on the island. You can also book a trip out to the other side of the reef.

If you are looking for the best hotel on the south coast of Rarotonga, then Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel can be recommended. It’s expensive, but you won’t find a more beautiful place!

THE WEST COAST OF RAROTONGA

The west coast has by far the best beaches on the island – especially on the beaches around Black Rock. Here the locals go for a swim, which is always a good sign. On the west coast there are many larger and smaller resorts, hotels and private rental apartments, but in general there are quieter and fewer tourists than on Muri Beach. The area is for you who like to enjoy the sunset to the sound of crashing waves.

Are you looking for a comfortable hotel on the west coast of Rarotonga, then The Edgewater Resort and Spa can be recommended. In the morning you can go straight out into the lagoon, and the island’s small bus has its own stop at the resort.

HOW TO GET TO THE COOK ISLANDS!

The Cook Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, and you can only get there by either flying over New Zealand or Los Angeles. From Rarotonga there is a fixed flight connection to the other small islands with propeller planes.

We booked the trip ourselves and took over Los Angeles. To find the best prices, it is a good idea to search for the individual flights, Your city – Los Angeles and then Los Angeles – Rarotonga.

See more great hotels on Rarotonga here on Booking.com!