Where to stay

Water sports of all kinds, from jet skiing to kayaking, are what Rarotonga is best known for. Try a new sport every day from a hotel in Muri Beach, a popular resort area. With a wide range of accommodations, you'll find a place to stay irrespective of your budget. Secure a guesthouse in the Vaimaanga neighborhood. This area is quieter; however, it still boasts easy access to the clear waters of the lagoon and the nearby ocean.

The Cook Islands have a long history, linked to present-day New Zealand with Maori and Pacific ancestry. A colonial atmosphere remains in Avarua, the largest town and the island's capital. Here, a weekly market selling pearls and locally made sarongs is within walking distance of hotels and small museums. Stay near the place where the great Maori migrations to New Zealand began by booking accommodations in Ngatangiia. Lock in a room or guesthouse in the smallest neighborhood, Matavera, to see how many locals live.

Like many places in the Pacific, Rarotonga is regarded for its natural beauty, from the lagoon to the lush forests. For some of the best snorkeling, get a hotel in Titikaveka. Here, a marine reserve boasts water so clear that colorful fish can be seen from the shores. From July to October, stay in Arorangi to watch the annual humpback whale migration. That said, this area on the western half of the island is perfect year-round. If you love hiking, book a hotel in Rutaki, an area close to the iconic mountain peak, Te Rua Manga.