Need expert help?
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Meet Teresa, one of our travel experts for The Cook Islands.
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Teresa is a Certified Tahiti Travel Specialist and works with the Tahiti Tourism Board making sure her guests enjoy a fabulous holiday in Tahiti.
Teresa lives on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. She's been a Travel Advisor for 20 years, specializing in tropical islands around the world but her true love is the South Pacific.
Teresa has traveled throughout the South Pacific Islands and is on a first name basis with many of the resort owners. She has visited Fiji 7 times as well as Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand. Her speciality is multi-country holidays. Her agency, Luxury Hideaways, is rated A+ with the Hawaii Better Business Bureau.
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"We had the absolute best person to plan our trip for us. Her name is Teresa. She knows everything about this part of the world and took care of every little detail and it was free!!!! I highly recommend her!"
- Anne
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"You were incredible!! I can't say enough how awesome of a job you did. I am a very deliberative person, and I was leery to a point because I didn't not have my hands in any of the scheduling/planning of the trip. So, I might have been on edge a few times until we got to the resort. I was very impressed with your service! So, thank you for all you did."
- Josh and Heather
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"We were trying to plan our honeymoon in Fiji and were so confused and overwhelmed by the number and variety of resorts there. But then we found Teresa! She is very helpful and knowledgeable about Fiji and several different resorts there. When we were specifically trying to decide between two resorts, Teresa was able to help us decide as she provided us with specific differences between the resorts. Whenever we had questions, she responded quickly, even with the huge time difference. We are excited to have finally booked our honeymoon! She sent us a package with helpful information and tips, such as what to expect upon arrival and items to pack. We are looking forward to our honeymoon and to continue working with Teresa."
- B Kurian
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"When we first started communicating with each other I wanted a Honeymoon that was going to be unforgettable and something that would be truly special, you certainly delivered plus more. Koro Sun was paradise on earth and of course we enjoyed the environment but what we loved the most was the staff and all the happy people we were surrounded by. We didn't know what to expect coming into Fiji but with all your wonderful planning and helpful notes we got through our entire Honeymoon with ease. Our Edgewater Bure was breathtaking and my wife literally had a grin from ear to ear since the moment I told her where we were going till our departure. You gave us an unbeatable capstone to our marriage and for that I can't thank you enough. Again thank you so much for helping me plan the honeymoon and it was a pleasure working with you."
- Devin & Jared Chambers
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"Your help was AMAZING! I can not express how easy it was working with you when we were looking at different resorts and itineraries. You put so much effort into accommodating us- form budget to activities to an overall idea of what to expect in Fiji. We changed our minds several times and you were so tolerant, a real pleasure to work with. Your knowledge of the islands was a HUGE help in picking our honeymoon spot. I am not going to hesitate recommending you if any family or friends are looking to plan a vacation. Thanks again!"
- Chris
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"Bula bula Teresa!
You provided my wife and I with outstanding personalized service in preparing our trip (that due to unexpected wedding budget overruns, we were unfortunately unable to take at that time). It was so outstanding that when my friend Mike said that he was planning his honeymoon to Fiji, I told him that he MUST contact you to plan a trip.
My wife and I still plan on getting to Fiji within the next 2 years, and I promise that you will be the first person that we contact for travel reservations and trip planning.
"
- Bryan
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"I wanted to say again thank you this is absolutely amazing we are having a blast and the upgrade to the honeymoon bure was completely unexpected we have been treated amazingly and even got to fly to the island with the owner of the resort who was super nice to us. You were absolutely right about this place and I am so happy I found you thank you again!!!"
- Mark
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"Thank you for the most amazing honeymoon! Wadigi was perfect in everyday! There are no words to express how incredible everything was (the food, the staff, the grounds, the accommodations...and everything in between!) We will definitely be back for our anniversary :-) Vinaka!"
- Bilal & Parisa
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"Hello Teresa,
Thanks for your expert help in planning out trip to Tahiti.
After less than 48 hours after leaving Denver we are now at out beach bungalow at the Sofitel Hotel in Moorea Atoll.
The Air Tahiti flight from LAX was less than 8 hours and the service was incredible; 2 nice meals and great service.
Upon arrival in Papeete, Tahiti, we had the private car to the Ferry terminal and then a great ferry ride (30 min) to Moorea Atoll. We got here at about 10 am.
Staying at the Sofitel hotel…………..what can I say: it is French and the service is impeccable.
Your suggestion to spend our first few nights ‘on the beach’ was sterling………..here are pictures from out bungalow. Fortunately we got our bungalow at about 11 am and we went right into the water.
We snorkeled for about 2 hours and it was the very best !!! I bought a new GoPro camera and it is a life-renewing experience to be able to film under water like this, especially in crystal clear water!
Tomorrow we are on a 6 hour snorkeling tour to a ‘private island’ where we are to snorkel with manta rays and sharks..
What a hoot! So far, this is one of our very best trips ever (and we have been to 75 countries)
"
- Walt Whatley
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"It's been more than a week since we've been back but I just wanted to let you know that we had a great time at Tahiti. Thank you for arranging our wonderful trip. My kids are already saying they wanted to go back.
Teresa, I wanted to thank you for you assistance for this wonderful trip.
Don't think we'll be going back to Bora Bora anytime soon, but we may seek your help for some of our future trips and cruises."
- Barry
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"We wanted to give you a summary of our Tahiti trip. In a word, just fabulous. We have never taken such a purely luxury, relaxing type of vacation in the past and it was an absolute delight.
Probably our favorite experience on the trip was the shark and manta ray feeding trip. I thought this would be somewhat hokey but it was great fun. Swimming with the sharks was a novel experience and even Debby with her limited swimming abilities had a great time. I was actually able to dive down and bat one of the lemon sharks on the tail. The mantas were like puppies in the way that they crowded around us, swimming over our shoulders in order to get to the food. We laid out the money for the video of the trip and its been the most popular picture of any trip that we have ever brought home. And we would recommend that anyone who goes to Bora Bora take the opportunity to eat at "Bloody Marys", a superb place to get the fresh seafood that we were looking for and it was very reasonably priced.
I could gush further but suffice it to say that it was a fantastic trip and just the type of relaxation that we needed at this busy time in our lives. Thanks for planning a wonderful trip for us!"
- Ken and Debby Richmond
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"Hi Teresa,
Chris and I are back from our trip, and I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed it!! The islands were beautiful, and each hotel worked out great!
Our beach bungalow at the Sofitel was the perfect location, close to the beach bar and looking directly out at the beach (#411). Just to give you some feedback, not complaining--The Sofitel was not as plush as I thought it would be and looked a little more worn. I thought the grounds would be more manicured and service a little better, considering the ranking it had. If we went back to Moorea, we would probably stay there again or recommend it to friends, because from other people that we met, it sounded like the Intercontinental there was similar and not necessarily a better option. The location was great though—near both the ferry dock and airport!
The Intercontinental Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa was spectacular!! The room was very tastefully done with beautiful finishes, our hut (110) was in the perfect location, very little construction noise if any, as I think most of the exteriors are finished, and every part of the property was so upscale. The water was so beautiful, and the resort was exactly as I hoped it would be! So glad we went there last!
We were able to meet up with friends from California who happened to be staying at the St Regis Bora Bora. We hadn’t seen them for over 20 years, so it was such a treat that we were all there at the same time. We didn’t realize there wasn’t a road that could easily connect both hotels, and a private water taxi would have been about $200, so we all met on the big island at Bloody Mary’s for dinner. Due to differing ferry location drop offs and times, we were only able to see each other for just over an hour, but it was great to catch up in person!
All of our transfers were so easy, and we were very well taken care of during each one, whether transport, ferry or by plane! Each of the vendors made it easy to find them, and they all had our information down correctly! That was a great feature of the trip!
Thanks again for all of your help with planning our vacation! We thoroughly enjoyed every minute!! Now back to reality...
"
- Vicki Daltorio
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"Hi, Teresa! Never got around to telling you how great a time we had in Hawaii. You did a great job! We enjoyed every minute, even the nerve-wracking Hana Highway. It all went smoothly, without flaw, and we have taken away with us precious and unforgettable memories.
Thanks again for your splendid assistance in helping us plan this vacation!
"
- Jeffrey
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"Hello Teresa,
OMG! What a fabulous trip!
Where do I start?
Start with: how or who do we notify so we can share what a fabulous trip you planned for us?
The itinerary from start to finish was perfect! Airline tickets, all transfers both going and coming were spot on!
Moorea was the perfect island for our goals; romance, culture and beauty.
Manava Resort was an excellent selection. Pool, spa, beach, ocean all beautiful just sitting there waiting for us to choose. Over water bungalow was phenomenal!
Excursions were reasonably priced and wonderful experiences.
Oh, and Pearl Romance in town was exceptional! Mary really loved it!
Thank you Thank you! Our best vacation ever!
"
- Steve Anderson
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"We had a fantastic time, a truly unreal experience! It is difficult to point out my favorite part of the trip as the 2 islands had such different vibes. My husband said he enjoyed Moorea better because we were not limited to one area, although he love the bungalows as well. Overall, we found the local people to be nice and helpful. Both resorts had amazing breakfasts!
We loved being able to rent a car on Moorea and explore on our own. The snorkeling off Temae beach was like swimming through an aquarium. We found that the food trucks or "roulottes" were absolutely delicious and inexpensive saving us a ton of money on lunches and some dinners. I felt that the Intercontinental resort here was a good location and not far from beaches and other areas of interest. There was a car rental agency and small market at the top of the hill of the resort which was super convenient to walk to and grab waters and small snacks.
Bora Bora was a whole different experience and vibe and the bungalow may have been my favorite part. We truly enjoyed being able to jump off our bungalow as we were at the end of tier 2. The Meridien was a very nice property and i am so glad we did the dinner plan as it again saved us a lot of money. My favorite part of this resort was the turtle sanctuary where we signed up to clean, feed and swim with the rescued turtles. I only wished I would have brought a go pro for the experience though.
I would love to visit French Polynesia again and check out the other islands! Hopefully it will happen but there are so many places in the world we have yet to get to, including Hawaii! Thanks for planning the trip and your help!"
- Tammy
Testimonials from Teresa's clients:
"We did everything we wanted to do. So many favorite parts: the bungalow, snorkeling from our private dock, Steve’s fishing trip, my spa day, the restaurant wait staff, the lagoon tour, and the fire dance was amazing. The Sofitel property is beautiful: a huge lush variety of mature groomed plants and trees, structures well-kept and clean inside and out. Like being dropped into a fantasy island post card.
I think the fire dance was my favorite. It started in the dining room, then to the beach and ended back in the dining room. So professional and dancing skills off the charts and they were three feet from us, once danced right up to our table. At one point I was ushered to the dance floor. Good thing I had a couple drinks by then.
Also, being met at every phase of the trip and never a concern about our luggage or where we needed to be to get where we were going. Worth every penny.
I love fish, so for me the food was very good. Steve, not so much, but he made it work and the drinks were also very good.
Thanks for being there and available every step of the way.
"
- Charlene
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Best Time of Year to Visit the Cook Islands
Explore > Travel Planning Articles > Best Time of Year to Visit the Cook Islands
Date published:
2023-05-07
Rarotonga beach, photo courtesy Nick Paulsen and Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.
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About the author, Michael Cottam
Founder of Visual Itineraries, Michael lives in Bend, Oregon. He's an avid traveler, scuba diver, photographer, and a private pilot,
and also the founder of Bright Yonder.
He's been to Fiji, Thailand, Vietnam, Seychelles, Kenya, France, England, New Zealand, Jamaica, Belize, Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos, British Virgin Islands, Mexico, and the major islands in French Polynesia.
He's been a Rotarian for 22 years, currently on the board of the Greater Bend Rotary Club.
Follow Michael on LinkedIn,
Pinterest
and Twitter.
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Overview of the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. They were originally discovered and settled by Polynesian voyagers in the late 1300s to early 1400s.
The islands were named after British navigator Captain James Cook who visited the islands in the late 1700s. In 1901, the Cook Islands became a British protectorate.
The Cook Islands are a group of 15 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga, west of Tahiti, and northeast of New Zealand, near the international date line.
The two main islands are Rarotonga (where the international airport is) and Aitutaki. Rarontonga feels a bit like one big resort, ringed by boutique hotels, resorts, homestays, restaurants, gift shops, galleries, cafes, beach bars and convenience stores.
The islands remain undiscovered by most Americans, unlike Fiji or Tahiti. It's the same time zone as Hawaii, and with the new non-stop flights from Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines,
they're more accessible than ever. Currency used is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Tipping is not customary in the Cooks.
Mountains of Rarotonga, photo copyright Alexandra Adoncello.
TRAVEL SPECIAL: Little Polynesian ResortLittle Polynesia 5 nights from 2,294 per person  Their location, on one of Rarotonga's finest beaches, will truly provide you with lasting impressions of natural South Pacific living. With a marine protected lagoon that offers 24 hours a day of deep-water swimming, the lagoon is perfect for splashing about and snorkelling. The water teems with an abundant variety of colourful fish while a mild reef-break a few hundred meters out provides a constant hypnotic delight for your visual and audio senses.
Weather in the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands have a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year.
There are two main seasons: the wet season from November to April, and the dry season from May to October.
During the wet season, you can get tropical storms and heavy rainfall, while during the dry season you'll mostly have clear skies and light sea breezes.
Trade winds provide a pleasant cooling breeze, making the weather in the Cooks generally very pleasant year-round.
Island night cultural show, photo courtesy Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Things to see and do on Rarotonga
Rarotonga is the largest and most populous island of the Cook Islands and offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
It's also the only island with the international airport, so when you fly to the Cooks, you're going to start here.
Some of the best things to see and do on Rarotonga include:
- Visit the beaches: it's surrounded by stunning beaches, with clear turquoise waters and lush tropical vegetation.
Some of the most popular beaches include Muri Beach, Aroa Beach and Avana Beach.
- Take a scenic drive: rent a scooter or car and take a drive around the island to discover its stunning natural beauty.
- Visit the cultural village of Punanga Nui: this open-air market is a must-visit for anyone interested in local culture and arts.
- Snorkel or scuba dive: the waters around the island are teeming with marine life, and there are several great snorkeling and diving spots around the island.
- Explore the interior: the middle of the island is a lush tropical jungle with a range of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island and its surroundings.
- Visit the Rarotonga Cook Islands Christian Church: this historic church is one of the largest structures on the island and is an important part of local culture.
- Experience a traditional dance performance: the island is home to several cultural centers that offer traditional dance performances and other cultural activities.
Rarotonga virtual tours, courtesy Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. TRAVEL SPECIAL: Little Polynesian ResortLittle Polynesia 5 nights from 2,294 per person Their location, on one of Rarotonga's finest beaches, will truly provide you with lasting impressions of natural South Pacific living. With a marine protected lagoon that offers 24 hours a day of deep-water swimming, the lagoon is perfect for splashing about and snorkelling. The water teems with an abundant variety of colourful fish while a mild reef-break a few hundred meters out provides a constant hypnotic delight for your visual and audio senses.
Aerial view of Aitutaki and lagoon, photo courtesy Cook Islands Tourism.
Things to see and do on Aitutaki
Aitutaki is a small atoll, located about 160 miles north of Rarotonga. It's got an airport, and the flight there takes about an hour.
Some of the best things to see and do on Aitutaki include:
- Explore the Lagoon: the turquoise waters of Aitutaki Lagoon are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding coral reef and small islets.
- Visit One Foot Island: this tiny island is located at the southern end of the Lagoon and is accessible by boat. Enjoy a picnic, relax on the beach or take a snorkeling excursion.
- Tour the main island: it's home to several traditional villages, ancient Polynesian ruins, and coconut plantations, which can be explored on a scenic drive or guided tour.
- Experience local cuisine: Aitutaki is known for its delicious seafood and tropical fruit, which can be enjoyed at one of the island's dozen+ restaurants or local markets.
- Explore the lagoon by boat: you can take a guided boat tour of the Lagoon, which provides an opportunity to see the stunning coral formations and marine life up close.
Aitutaki virtual tours, courtesy Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. TRAVEL SPECIAL: 5 nights from 1,590 per person
Beachfront villa | welcome beverage | daily breakfast | happy hour drink specials | Island Discovery excursion | airport transfers
Overwater bungalows at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, photo courtesy Cook Islands Pocket Guide. TRAVEL SPECIAL: Sunset ResortSunset Resort 5 nights from 1,082 per person  Sunset Resort is the Cook Islands' leading intimate resort property. Located on one of Rarotonga's premier beaches and fronting a crystal clear lagoon, Sunset Resort offers personal attention from our friendly, local staff. Delivering all the services you would expect from a large resort, but in an intimate, beachfront environment. Learn more about Sunset ResortPrices include: Items selected, government taxes and fees and Pleasant Holidays' service fees. Unless specified otherwise, rates are quoted in USD.
To compare all resorts in the Cook Islands, click here.
Typical airfares from LAX to Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Airfares vary by season, but also day of week, and are definitely affected by holidays.
The chart above shows the typical average fares for a economy class ticket from Los Angeles (LAX) to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), by month.
Aitutaki lagoon, photo courtesy Island Love Photography & Alisha Street.
Culture
The culture of the Cook Islands is distinct from that of Fiji and Tahiti, although it shares similarities with both. The Cook Islands are part of the Polynesian cultural sphere, and the local culture is deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions, beliefs, and values.
In comparison to Fiji, the Cook Islands have a more traditional and rural feel. The island culture is more focused on family and community, and the pace of life is generally slower. The Cook Islands also have a strong Christian influence, with many local customs and practices reflecting this influence.
In comparison to Tahiti, the Cook Islands have a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. The island culture is less commercial and more focused on preserving local traditions and customs. The Cook Islands also have a smaller tourist industry compared to Tahiti, which has helped to maintain the authenticity of the local culture.
Picnic platter, photo courtesy Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Cuisine in the Cooks
The cuisine of the Cook Islands is a blend of Polynesian, European, and New Zealand influences. Local ingredients include fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and locally grown vegetables.
Popular dishes in the Cook Islands include:
- Ika Mata: a raw fish dish made from cubed fish marinated in coconut cream and lime juice, served with vegetables and breadfruit.
- Rukau: a traditional dish made from taro leaves, cooked in coconut cream and served with meat or seafood.
- Taro: a staple root vegetable that is often boiled, baked or mashed, and served as a side dish with meat or fish.
- Poke: a dish made from diced raw fish mixed with coconut cream, onions, and spices.
- Fresh seafood including tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin is widely available and often grilled or baked with a variety of herbs and spices.
- Tropical fruit such as papaya, mango, and passionfruit are often served for breakfast or as a dessert.
TRAVEL SPECIAL: Little Polynesian ResortLittle Polynesia 5 nights from 2,294 per person Their location, on one of Rarotonga's finest beaches, will truly provide you with lasting impressions of natural South Pacific living. With a marine protected lagoon that offers 24 hours a day of deep-water swimming, the lagoon is perfect for splashing about and snorkelling. The water teems with an abundant variety of colourful fish while a mild reef-break a few hundred meters out provides a constant hypnotic delight for your visual and audio senses.
Scuba diving in the Cook Islands, photo courtesy Charlotte Piho.
Water temperature and SCUBA diving in the Cook Islands
You can dive year-round in Vietnam, but the primary diving season is March through October for the southwest coast (before the monsoon season), or November through March for Phu Quoc Island and the Con Dao archipelago.
Water temperature is typically around 82F.
It's a relatively new destination
for divers, but it's growing in popularity with both new and seasoned divers. Undersea life you might
see includes black frogfish, sting rays, eagle rays, manta rays, bamboo sharks, barracuda, and dugongs.
For a list of the top dive sites in the Cook Islands, check out PADI's page.
How we work with you to plan the perfect trip:
- We'll talk with you to find out what you're looking for, what you like/don't like, etc.
- We'll use our first-hand knowledge of the destination to pick out a handful of resorts we think you'd like
- We'll create a custom mini website for you, with photos, videos, maps, etc. of the resorts we are recommending
- We'll follow up with you to help you make your decision
- We'll go to work with our suppliers to get you the best deal available on what you've decided on.
Map of our favorite resorts in the Cook Islands
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