There isn't a phenomenal amount of information on internets about the Cook Islands. Having spent some qt there, I thought I'd do a solid for internet world and provide some of the deets we would have found useful.
Where to stay: the beaches in Titikaveka are the nicest we saw. We got married at the Royale Takitumu and were there for 7 nights – we loved it and had the place virtually to ourselves. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again, or to rent a bungalow near by.
Muri beach is over developed and the beach is severely eroded. The lagoon that it faces is beautiful to look at, but there is barely enough beach for a lounge chair and the hotels are smashed together. The benefit is lots of bars and restaurants within walking distance, but I wouldn't stay here. Unless its the highest of tide, swimming is in knee or waist high water.
We stayed in Aroa for the 2nd half of our time and were super happy. Its a nice beach for swimming and snorkeling and there is a lot more retail-wise than in Titikaveka. We were walking distance from a DVD rental, bike and scooter rental, mini-golf course, and a couple of restaurants.
Since both the accommodations we stayed in were self-contained, we mainly cooked for ourselves. By which I mean that Ed mainly cooked for us and I drank rum. But we did hit most of the restaurants that were recommended or we were curious about. Here's a wrap up.
Paw Paw Patch – don't go on Sunday night for the bbq buffet. Its lamezone tourist time where honeymooners, anniversaries, etc. are “wooooo'd” and slow jams are played by an island trio. But, the a la carte menu served other nights is amazeballs.
Rarotonga Fried Chicken – the ladies aren't very friendly, but if once served from a fresh batch of chicken, we didn't mind. Like everyone in Oceania, they are afraid of salt but this can be rectified.
Waterline – beautiful setting for cocktails, skip dinner.
Razi's Indian – good! And one of the best values on the island.
Tamarind House – everyone loves it, and for good reason. Set in a former NZ official's tropical home, it overlooks a gorgeous beach and the food is outrageously good. We went for lunch, which is a bit less spendy than dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed.
Vaima – we had our wedding dinner at Viama. Some dishes were outstanding, some were just ok. One of the only restaurants with tables in the sand just feet from the ocean. They also have an awesome DVD rental that opens sporadically but has a great selection.
Wigmore's – so much more than just a gas station, fantastic fish and chips. We ate them twice and didn't feel nearly as bad about ourselves as we should have.
Saltwater Cafe – a lot of locals love this place – the food is so slutty and so delicious. Probably our overall favorite meal.
Thems the huevos.
Trader Jacks - to see how the locals pickle themselves, belly on up to Trader Jacks during daylight hours. Some of the food is outstanding, other dishes are a hot mess. The action is at the bar, which we stayed away from.
The most complete info I found on the Cooks was here. GO!
cookislandsatoz.com
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