Take A Step Back in Time

The Cook Islands are south of Tahiti, and consist of l5 islands scattered over some 2.5 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. They lie in the center of the Polynesian Triangle flanked to the west by the Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas, and to the east by French Polynesia. The islands were named after Captain Cook who visited them in l773.

Flights are now going non stop from Los Angeles. 10 hours. Weather is the same all year, in the 80’s and tropical.

The ill fated Captain William Bligh sighted Aitukai in l789 and Christian Fletcher sighted Rarotonga followed by the “Mutiny on the Bounty”.

The beauty and charm of the islands is matched only by the friendliness of the people. It is under the protection of New Zealand. The culture is expressed thru song and dance.

The islanders take pride in traditional songs. Sunday hymns and the distinctive crafts which exist in the day to day lives of the people.

Total population of the islands is l8,000. The island of Rarotonga is 20 miles around, with only two roads. The island bus can take you around or you can rent a bike, car or a jeep. The island of Aitutaki is less than an hour’s flight from Rarotonga and well worth visiting for a few days. It is partly a volcano and partly an atoll. Gorgeous beaches and great snorkeling.

This is the place to buy a black pearl. Much less expensive than in the rest of the South Pacific.

The prices are much more reasonable than other parts of the South Pacific. Several good 3 and 4 star hotels.

Not a lot to see and do. One little town, and this is a place to go and relax. Water sports and deep sea fishing are outstanding. It is possible to go by ferry if you wanted to visit one of the other islands.

Great food, and island entertainment. Visit the market on Rarotonga to purchase some island arts and crafts.