The Best Cultural Performances in the Cook Islands
Our Genuine Takes on Local Experiences
Cook Islanders love to dance, not just for tourists but as part of annual competitions here and across Polynesia – it’s serious stuff! Adorned in a variety of natural and traditional attire with tassels swishing with every skilful motion to the pounding sounds of the traditional “tangi ka’ara” drum ensemble, the performers of a cultural show in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands are awe-inspiring.
When the shows feature fire-dancing, you’re in for a real treat. Find out where you can see the best cultural shows in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands in the list below!
While you’re here, learn more about the local culture in A Traveller’s Guide to the Cook Islands Culture.
Side note: Our insights come from personal experiences and trusted recommendations. In other words, we are not AI-generated! Scroll down to learn more about the travel writers behind this listicle.
Table of Contents
1. Te Vara Nui Village
Want to see a show? Many would argue that the best on Rarotonga is the cultural show of Te Vara Nui Village thanks to its unique over-water venue. What’s more, the costumes worn by the talented dancers are stunning, while the story of the legend of “Tongaiti” will keep you captivated throughout the performance.
A buffet dinner is also included, featuring dishes from both Polynesian and Western cultures. The buffet and show experience is approximately three hours, starting at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Te Vara Nui accepts both cash and credit card payments at the table. Bar tabs can also be arranged with management approval by leaving a credit card at the bar. That said, we found it easiest to simply bring enough cash for drinks. Plus, see more “island nights” in the 10 Best Island Nights in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri (east side of Rarotonga). Transfers are available for a fee.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com2. Highland Paradise
High on the hills of Arorangi, Highland Paradise offers another unique cultural show in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. The evening begins with a tour of a well-preserved archaeological site complete with traditional welcoming ceremonies, storytelling and crafting displays.
After you’ve soaked in the views from the amazing hilltop location, you’ll return to the undercover restaurant with the ambience set by the string band. Indulge in an extensive buffet of traditional Cook Islands dishes, as well as some crowd-pleasers for the more fussy eaters.
Then, it’s onto the finale, featuring a captivating show that moves through different styles of Cook Islander dancing and drumming. The whole experience lasts approximately 3 hrs 30 mins, starting at 6 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Location: Transfers are included. Alternatively, you can drive yourself to Maungaroa Drive, Arorangi (on the west side of Rarotonga).
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com3. Tamanu Beach Resort Island Night
Bringing island nights to Aitutaki, the Tamanu Island Night at the Tamanu Beach Resort starts at around 6 pm with live music from a local string band to enjoy while you sip on cocktails (not included). The buffet with local and international food begins at 7 pm, spreading from the indoor to the outdoor area with its array of options on offer!
Once the buffet is over, usually around 8:30 am to 9 pm, the cultural show begins with energetic Pacifika drumming and dancing from the island’s “fierce” warriors (Ok, they actually look pretty friendly) and graceful ladies. The experience is approximately 3 hrs 30 mins and is available every Wednesday and Saturday.
Learn more about Aitutaki’s nightlife in The Guide to Aitutaki Nightlife + 5 Things to Do on Aitutaki at Night.
Location: Tamanu Beach Resort, Main Road, on the west side of Aitutaki’s main island.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com4. Tumutoa Tours
Tumutoa Tours offers an immersive cultural experience with their “Umu Feast Stringband & Fireshow” on Mondays and Thursdays from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. This 4 hr 30 mins adventure teaches you how to prepare an umu (earth oven) feast, weave your own food basket, and husk coconuts to make coconut cream for ikamata.
Enjoy string band entertainment while you cook, then indulge in a shared feast before the night concludes with an exciting fire show. Meet the charismatic Tumutoa, adorned in traditional Cook Islander attire, for an unforgettable cultural journey. A minimum of 20 people is required, with a standby list maintained until the required number is reached.
Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi, western side of Rarotonga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com5. King Dryden’s Aqua Ventures
Get ready for a cultural show with a twist at King Dryden’s Aqua Ventures! This unique experience kicks off with a mesmerising LED light show created by you, featuring transparent kayaks illuminating the stunning Muri Lagoon. After paddling through the sparkling waters, you’ll gather on the beach for their famous chicken skewers – a true taste of the Cook Islands.
The night culminates in one of Rarotonga’s most intimate fire shows, complete with rhythmic island drumming that will have your heart pounding. It’s a feast for all your senses!
For more paddling adventures, check out the 5 Best Paddleboard Tours & Hires in the Cook Islands. Ready to light up your night? Book your unforgettable SUP experience on King Dryden’s website.
Location: Night SUP tours depart from Muri Beach, eastern side of Rarotonga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com6. The Edgewater Resort & Spa Island Night
Tuesday and Saturday nights are island nights at The Edgewater Resort & Spa. The largest resort in the Cook Islands puts on an epic cultural show starting with a generous buffet of umu kai, as well as some crowd-pleasers.
After dinner and dessert are done, along with the relaxing island sound of a local string band, the main event begins! Watch an hour-long performance by the talented Ta’akoka Dance Troupe or Akirata Dance Troupe on stage at the resort’s undercover restaurant.
The event starts at 7 pm with entertainment up until 11 pm (approximately four hours) every Tuesday and Saturday.
Location: Edgewater Resort & Spa. Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi (west side of Rarotonga).
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com7. Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes
Join the cheeky crew from Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes for a fun day out on the Muri Lagoon, which includes a cultural show on Motu Koromiri, one of the lagoon’s islets. The half-day glass-bottom boat cruise includes snorkelling at the Tikioki Marine Reserve before crossing the lagoon to Motu Koromiri for a barbecue lunch combined with a hilarious cultural show.
The show features music from your talented tour guides, coconut husking and tree-climbing demonstrations, as well as a sarong-tying demonstration. Cruises depart daily except for public holidays. Learn more about the cruise in the 10 Best Day Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
Location: Tours depart from Muri Beach, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri (east side of Rarotonga). Just look for the yellow boats!
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com8. Koka Lagoon Cruises
Almost identical to Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes, Koka Lagoon Cruises also offers a fantastic cultural show. The main differences are that the cruise departs a little earlier (10 am instead of 11 am for Captain Tama’s), and the ukulele band playing on the boat throughout the cruise means there’s never a dull moment!
Plus, the crew is a little less “cheeky” but just as friendly. You still have an awesome time snorkelling, indulging in an island barbecue on Motu Koromiri and watching a fun coconut and sarong demonstration. Cruises depart Sunday through Friday.
Location: Tours depart from Muri Beach, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri (east side of Rarotonga). Just look for the green and white boats!
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com9. Umu Experience
Specialising in umu cooking classes, Umu Experience also hosts an awesome dinner show at their cultural centre near Avarua. The more intimate “island night” begins with a freshly prepared umu platter delivered to your table with the option of salads, dessert and other international dishes at the buffet.
While you let the scrumptious food digest, sit back with a cultural performance from one of the island’s dance troupes. The experience lasts approximately 2 hrs 30 mins, starting at 6:30 pm on a Monday and Wednesday.
Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), between Tapae and Tupapa (north side of Rarotonga).
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com10. The Islander Hotel Island Night
Experience the vibrant culture of the Cook Islands at The Islander Hotel‘s spectacular Island Night. Every Tuesday, this popular event combines a delicious buffet with a captivating cultural show, offering a perfect blend of local flavours and entertainment. The Akirata Dance Troupe, featuring 47 dynamic performers, showcases award-winning costumes and includes national dancer of the year winners.
The Islander Hotel and its Hula Bar, conveniently located across from the airport arrivals terminal, provide a relaxed atmosphere that’s a hit with both guests and locals, whether it’s island night or not!
The three-hour experience kicks off at 6:30 pm, promising an unforgettable evening of Cook Islands hospitality.
Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), opposite Rarotonga Airport, Nikao, north side of Rarotonga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com11. Crown Beach Resort & Spa Island Night
The Akirata Dance Troupe are back, this time on Thursday nights at the Crown Beach Resort & Spa! Although the resort is adults-only, visitors of all ages are welcome to their vibrant and dynamic cultural show.
The event takes place at one of the finest resort restaurants on Rarotonga, the Oceans Restaurant, mixing delectable cocktails (not included) and serving up an irresistible buffet with all sorts of Cook Island and Western meals along with dessert.
The event starts at 6 pm every Thursday, lasting approximately three hours.
Location: Crown Beach Resort & Spa. Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi (west side of Rarotonga).
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com12. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Island Night
Get ready for a truly unique island night experience at the luxurious Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort! Every Monday and Thursday evening, this adults-only paradise hosts an island night with a delightful twist.
Instead of the typical buffet, you’ll be treated to an exquisite à la carte menu (we personally love this touch of sophistication). You’ll find yourself immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of a Cook Islands cultural evening while indulging in gourmet cuisine.
It’s the perfect way to experience local traditions with an upscale flair. Entertainment at the resort includes island drum dance shows (island night) by the Te Aito Troupe.
Location: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki, north-eastern side of the island. The resort is situated on its own private island, Motu Akitua.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com13. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium – Legends of Polynesia Island Night
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Cook Islands at The Rarotongan‘s “Legends of Polynesia” Island Night. This family-friendly event combines a mesmerising drum dance show with an authentic umu feast, giving you a true taste of Polynesian traditions.
From 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm every Monday, you’ll be treated to a spectacular array of traditional dishes. Sink your teeth into succulent meats and kinaki (baked root vegetables) and savour island favourites like “ika mata” (fresh game fish marinated in coconut sauce) and “island-style turmeric chicken and potato curry”. Don’t miss the “palusami” (taro leaves baked in coconut sauce) or the “poke” (banana and coconut cream pudding) – they’re absolutely delicious!
As you feast, you’ll be entertained by an authentic drum dance show that brings Polynesian legends to life. It’s a cultural experience you won’t want to miss during your stay in Rarotonga.
Location: The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, Aroa Beach, southwestern side of Rarotonga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com14. Resort Tava’e Island Night
Visitors can immerse themselves once again in Aitutaki at Resort Tava’e‘s Island Night experience. This enchanting evening showcases traditional drumming, mesmerising dance performances, and a delicious island-inspired feast.
Guests will be treated to live entertainment and cultural performances under the stars, all while savouring local delicacies. The rhythm of the islands is sure to have everyone swaying to the beat.
This unforgettable night takes place every Tuesday evening under the marquee of the beachfront restaurant, offering a perfect mix of culture, music, and island vibes. (You’ll want to book your spot early to avoid disappointment!)
Location: Resort Tava’e, Main Road on the west side of Aitutaki’s main island.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comMore About Cultural Shows in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
That’s it for the best cultural shows in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. For more cultural experiences, check out the following guides:
- 10 Best Cultural Activities in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- How to Have an Authentic Cook Islander Experience
- 10 Best Guided Tours of Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
Finally, add more items to your bucket list with the 50 Best Things to Do on Rarotonga and 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])
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