10 Biggest Festivals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ✨

Last Updated: 8 June, 2025

The Festivals of Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands sure know how to throw a party. Not only do they have stunning venues on tropical islands and winterless weather, but they also have a knack for hosting elaborate events. There are two main types of festivals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands: culture festivals and sports festivals.

If you were looking for a festival experience that was out of the ordinary, with captivating Polynesian dancing, raise-the-roof singing, fierce sporting competitions and even sports that you have probably never seen before, then give the Cook Islands a go. Here are the biggest festivals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.

1. Te Maeva Nui Festival

Arguably the biggest cultural festival of the year (in the Cook Islands and the world), Te Maeva Nui Festival is a week-long celebration of the Cook Islands culture.

Starting at the end of July and ending on 4 August, Constitution Day, Te Maeva Nui celebrates the Cook Islands as an independent nation with an action-packed schedule. Events take place between Punanga Nui Market and the National Auditorium in Avarua, Rarotonga, consisting of an opening ceremony, float parade, market days, choir and cultural performances, trade shows, and then the big one: the dance competition.

That’s right, the Cook Islands have several dance competitions throughout the year, and this is one of the big ones. The main event is the finals, called Te Maeva Nui, held at the National Auditorium. Prices are super affordable, so there’s no excuse not to check it out!

10 Biggest Festivals in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ✨

2. Te Mire Ura Festival

We told you that Cook Islanders like to dance, so there’s another chance to see the best of the best at Te Mire Ura Festival.

Te Mire Ura is the “Dancer of the Year” festival, where dozens of dancers from different age groups take the centre stage to showcase their best moves. There are amazing costumes and talent, so take a seat at the National Auditorium in Avarua for the finals and have a night to remember. You could even join in on the “Visitors” category!

This festival in the Cook Islands typically takes place in April or October but check out the events page on the Cook Islands Tourism website or in The Top Events & Festivals in the Cook Islands for the latest dates.

3. Te Mire Tiare Flower Festival

Another one of the top cultural festivals of the year, Te Mire Tiare Flower Festival is a must-see.

Typically held in November and/or December, the Te Mire Tiare Flower Festival is sure to put a smile on your face, with shops, government buildings, and homes adorned in floral decorations, often following a specific theme.

Aside from adding vibrancy to the villages of the Cook Islands, the flower festival is also the time of the Mama Muumuu Pageant, where contestants are introduced at the opening ceremony and float parade at Punanga Nui Market. By the end of the festival week, the Maine Tiare and Tama Aito are crowned.

4. Te Mire ‘Atu Festival

Not only do the Cook Islands have plenty of talent for moving their bodies, but there are some fine singers and composers too. This is celebrated at Te Mire ‘Atu Festival, the island’s composers’ song competition. It’s a chance to listen to some fabulous traditional-style Cook Islands music. Again, this festival is held at the National Auditorium on Rarotonga.

This festival on Rarotonga typically takes place in March, but check out the events page on the Cook Islands Tourism website or in The Top Events & Festivals in the Cook Islands for the latest dates.

5. Manureva Aquafest

When you’re not immersing in the culture of the Cook Islands, you’re lapping up the amazing watersports, and that’s what Manureva Aquafest is all about! Held in the lagoon of Aitutaki, this watersports festival is a five-day competition for kitesurfing, oe vaka (outrigger canoeing), SUP and swimming. Watch the action from Ootu Beach, enjoy traditional food and crafts at the Manureva Night Market, and watch the closing ceremony with captivating fire dancing.

This event typically takes place in August, the perfect time for kite sports! See The Top Events & Festivals in the Cook Islands for the latest dates.

6. Anuanua Festival

Celebrate diversity and inclusivity at the vibrant Anuanua Festival, the Cook Islands’ very own LGBTQ+ pride event. Hosted by the Te Tiare Association, this colourful festival typically lights up Rarotonga in April.

Over several days, you’ll be treated to a dazzling array of events. Talent shows offer a platform for local performers to shine, while community outreach activities promote understanding and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

The Anuanua Festival is more than just a party; it’s a powerful celebration of akava’ine and akatututane identities. From the eye-catching Pride Art Installation to the creative Wearable Arts Competition, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the inclusive atmosphere.

7. Vaka Eiva Festival

Outrigger canoeing is not only an inherent part of the Polynesian lifestyle but also an exciting sport where hundreds gather to race them at the Vaka Eiva Festival at Avarua, Rarotonga.

Watch exciting sprint races on the Avarua Harbour as you sip on a drink at Trader Jacks or head down to Muri Beach for the mid-week novelty races.

Vaka Eiva Festival is typically held for a week in November, but dates are subject to change. Check out the Cook Islands Tourism website or in The Top Events & Festivals in the Cook Islands for the latest dates.

If you miss this event, you also have the opportunity to check out Motu2Motu on Aitutaki for some hardcore vaka racing at the end of November/beginning of December.

8. Round Rarotonga Road Race

While not a traditional festival, this sporting event is well worth mentioning as one of the most significant participation events of the year. The Round Rarotonga Road Race, or “RRRR” if that’s too much of a mouthful, is a week-long running extravaganza with the main race being the 31 km (9.4 mi) run circumventing Rarotonga.

The running festival in the Cook Islands is for every type of runner: the social, the recreational, the competitive and the spectator who’d rather sip on cocktails. There are all sorts of races to choose from, some with a fun theme and dress-up for extra hilarity.

Round Rarotonga Road Race takes place in September. Instructions on how to enter are on the Destination Management Cook Islands (DMCK) website.

9. Turama Festival

More of a traditional festival, Turama takes place on 1 November each year to commemorate those that the Cook Islanders have lost. Locals decorate graves with gorgeous flower displays and candles that burn throughout the night. The tradition is from Roman Catholicism, the same as their “All Souls Day”.

Turama also involves a requiem mass held at the Catholic cathedral in Avarua, where the priest blesses gravestones with holy water, and people light candles.

10. Cook Islands Oldies Rugby Mini Festival

Finally, on our list of the biggest festivals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, the Cook Islands Oldies Rugby Mini Festival is a great example of what the Cook Islands sports community is all about! Older rugby teams from the Cook Islands and abroad get together for a festival of “fun, friendship and fraternity”.

If you’ve got a rugby team and grey hair, why not get the team together and have a go? Instructions on how to enter are on the DMCK website.

The Cook Islands Oldies Rugby Mini Festival is a biannual festival typically held in May on Rarotonga.

More About the Biggest Festivals in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

That’s it for our complete guide to the biggest festivals for the Cook Islands and Rarotonga. If you didn’t find a festival exciting enough, check out more ideas in the following guides:

Finally, for more ideas for your Cook Islands visit, check out our 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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