Rarotonga – The Central Island of the Cook Islands

Rarotonga is the most populated island amongst the Cook Islands. The current population numbers over 14,000. It holds the only international airport also. Most people must first arrive here to get to any of the other islands. The largest town of Avarua is also the capital city of the island group. The island comes surrounded by a reef that provides calm shallow water suitable for swimming year round. Along the north shore of the island, the reef comes in too close for swimming. However, the other side of the island is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The island of Rarotonga is relatively young in comparison with the other islands in the Cook Island groups. Its central core shows this youth with ragged peaks and ridges. Its older neighbors show their age with eroded slopes and gentle hills. The highest peak on the island is over 2000 above sea level. As with most tropical islands, the land above the ocean is only the tip of a much larger peak. The volcano cone extends below the island to a depth of over 13,000 feet. People live mainly along the edges of the island. Agriculture grows on the slopes of the island more inland. Swampy areas contribute with the production of taro.

Visitors will find a tropical paradise at Rarotonga. As the most populated of the islands, it also has the most accommodations and sites for visitors to experience. The island is a classic picture of South Seas living. It has sandy white shores lined with palm trees. Inland people get to see the experience the lush undergrowth of the island. There are tons of activities available on the island including scuba diving and water sports, hiking, tours, restaurants, and shows. The nightlife is vibrant and active year round. Accommodations range from basic to high-end luxury.

Getting around Rarotonga is simple. A main road circles the island. From that main road, you can get to any other destination on the island. Buses run around the island in both directions. Smaller boats can enter the harbor at Avatiu as well as cargo ships. Cruise ships often stop, but passengers ferry back and forth by transport boat. Air flights originate at Rarotonga International Airport. There is regular service to many islands as well as to international destinations. One of the popular pastimes is watching the planes take off and land. Life is much simpler on this island. Be prepared to relax.