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Best Time of Year to Visit the Cook IslandsExplore > Travel Planning Articles > Best Time of Year to Visit the Cook IslandsDate published: 2023-05-07
![]() Rarotonga beach, photo courtesy Nick Paulsen and Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.
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Overview of the Cook IslandsThe 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.
Sunset Resort 5 nights from 1,082 per person ![]() Learn more about Sunset Resort Prices include: Items selected, government taxes and fees and Pleasant Holidays' service fees. Unless specified otherwise, rates are quoted in USD. Weather in the Cook IslandsThe 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 RarotongaRarotonga 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:
Rarotonga virtual tours, courtesy Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.
Little Polynesia 5 nights from 2,294 per person ![]() Learn more about Little Polynesian Resort Prices include: Items selected, government taxes and fees and Pleasant Holidays' service fees. Unless specified otherwise, rates are quoted in USD. ![]() Aerial view of Aitutaki and lagoon, photo courtesy Cook Islands Tourism.
Things to see and do on AitutakiAitutaki 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:
Aitutaki virtual tours, courtesy Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.
Sea Change Villas: Idyllic Retreats Collection 5 nights from 1,692 per person ![]() Learn more about Sea Change Villas Rarotonga PRICE INCLUDES: Goway welcome on arrival with a lei greeting and glass of sparkling wine Private arrival and departure airport transfers 5 nights first-class accommodation Private-guided Scenic Island Tour Unlimited use of beach equipment Breakfast starter kit, bottle of wine and beers in your fridge ![]() Overwater bungalows at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort, photo courtesy Cook Islands Pocket Guide.
Sunset Resort 5 nights from 1,082 per person ![]() Learn more about Sunset Resort Prices 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 IslandsAirfares 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.
CultureThe 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 CooksThe 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:
Little Polynesia 5 nights from 2,294 per person ![]() Learn more about Little Polynesian Resort Prices include: Items selected, government taxes and fees and Pleasant Holidays' service fees. Unless specified otherwise, rates are quoted in USD. ![]() Scuba diving in the Cook Islands, photo courtesy Charlotte Piho.
Water temperature and SCUBA diving in the Cook IslandsYou 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:
Map of our favorite resorts in the Cook Islands |
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