10 Best Bars on Rarotonga

From 2 pm daily, Castaway Beach Bar pours everything you need for a perfect island afternoon: cold beer by the bucket, generous cocktail jugs made for sharing, and a daily food and drinks happy hour to sweeten the deal. Catch live music on select evenings, sink into an easy rhythm as the sun drops, and stay for the famous "Free Island Night" every Saturday.

When it comes to food, start with snacky starters like ika mata, sashimi, nachos and guac for that laid-back Pacific tone, then work your way through tacos, pizzas, skewers and salads before diving into something more substantial.

Mains cover local fish, curries, prawns, steak and surf and turf, and the skewer platters are a solid pick for groups. Beer buckets, cocktail jugs and happy hour make this a natural destination for a long, lazy afternoon session.

A free Island Night every Saturday is the cherry on top, and with a kids' menu available at the bar, it's genuinely inclusive for all ages. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan diners are all well catered for too.

Shipwreck Hut, the beach bar and restaurant at Aro'a Beachside Resort, is a must-visit for its laid-back beachside dining and legendary sunset views. Open daily, it serves breakfast from 8 am to 10 am and offers bar and restaurant service from 12 pm until late.

Live music and entertainment kick off at 6 pm, with Monday nights featuring a Cultural Night and Fire Show (the most affordable "island night" we've seen). The pirate-themed menu boasts creative dishes like "Doubloon Ika Mata" and "Jolly Roger Fish Curry", alongside classic options such as fish and chips and cheeseburgers.

Location: Aro'a Beachside Resort, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Aroa Beach.

Moving onto the nightclub scene now, Rehab is the place to end a night out on Rarotonga. Dance the rest of the night away with DJHab and drinks that are, admittedly, a little more expensive compared to other clubs on this list, but maybe you won't care by the time you get there.

The best way to experience Raro's most famous nightclub is on the "Raro Pub Crawl". Also known as the Rehab Party Bus, this is where Rehab's club-on-wheels hits the coastal road on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. You'll stop by a few bars around the island before concluding at Rehab.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avarua (across the road from the Empire Cinema and on the waterfront).

Start, continue and/or end your night out at OTR, otherwise known as On The Rocks. The waterfront Avarua bar near Rehab is the place to go for cheap drinks, as well as DJ and live music. The party atmosphere is usually buzzing, so if you want a fun night out in Raro, include OTR. Opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday til late.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avarua (behind Tuki's).

Most flock to Trio's Garden Bar for karaoke Thursday and Saturday nights, but the live bands on Monday and Friday are another good reason to kick back at this vibrant bar. They have pool tables, all the expected drinks, and happy hour is from 5pm to 7pm. Opening hours are from Monday to Saturday 11am until late.

Location: Banana Court, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avarua.

Vaiana's Bar & Bistro is a lively beachfront hotspot on Nikao Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering cocktails. Open from late afternoon on Mondays and midday Wednesday to Saturday until 10 pm, this casual eatery really comes alive from Thursday to Saturday. Don't miss their signature "Passion Bomb" cocktail – it's a local favourite!

Beer lovers will appreciate the Friday night specials and bucket deals. For a real treat, catch the mesmerising fire show on Thursdays (it's free, but we recommend booking a table to secure your spot). Check out their food offerings in The Top Cheap Eats on Rarotonga.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Nikao.

For a relaxed bar atmosphere on Muri Beach, choose RSC Beachfront Bar & Brasserie, a.k.a. the Rarotonga Sailing Club. Enjoy a refreshing array of beverages on the elevated deck overlooking the lagoon or on the sands, where it's fun to people watch and hang out with friends and family. The bar usually has a live string band on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Happy hour is from 4pm to 6pm. We also list RSC in our dining favourites, The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 10 Best Restaurants.

Location: Muri Beach, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri.

Watch the sunset and feel your toes in the sand at this slightly more sophisticated beach bar on Arorangi Beach. With one of the largest wine lists on the island, as well as creative cocktails, local beer and international favourites, there's not much the Sunset Bar doesn't do. The bar is part of the acclaimed On The Beach (OTB) Restaurant, so you may be tempted to treat yourself to some fine dining. Happy hour is from 3pm to 6pm with NZ$10 cocktails!

Location: Manuia Beach Resort, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi.

The Islander Hotel and its Hula Bar offer a relaxed dining and social scene right by the airport in Rarotonga. The Islander Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Hula Bar opens from 11 am until late. It's a popular hangout for both guests and locals, especially given its prime location across from the arrivals terminal.

A highlight of the week is the Tuesday Island Night, featuring a buffet and cultural show that combines local cuisine and entertainment. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Cook Islands culture and enjoy a mix of traditional food and performances. Check out more cultural shows in the 10 Best Island Nights in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avarua (opposite the airport).

For a more relaxed vacation atmosphere, unwind with a cocktail or two at the Oceans Bar of the Crown Beach Resort. The adults-only resort sets the tone right for a relaxed yet refined afternoon or evening. Their daily happy hour is from 4pm to 6pm, treating you to NZ$2 off all drinks.

Location: Crown Beach Resort, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi.