20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga 2025

Last Updated: 7 June, 2025

The Top Rarotonga Family Accommodations and Resorts

Your dream Rarotonga family getaway is so close; so easy to experience with kids. All you need is a place to stay that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re seeking the ease and conveniences of a family resort or want to enjoy the luxury of an island getaway while sticking to a budget with self-catering accommodation, we go over a wide range of options right here in the best family resorts and accommodations on Rarotonga.

Before we begin, how about opening The Complete Travel Guide to Rarotonga for Families and 30 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids for more Raro wisdom.

1. Pacific Resort Rarotonga

Pacific Resort Rarotonga is a well-established, family-friendly resort nestled among manicured gardens on the stunning Muri Beach. This popular accommodation offers a range of options, from studio rooms to fully self-contained beachfront villas, catering to diverse family needs.

The resort’s “Standard Family Rooms” are in high demand, often booking up a year in advance. Families will love the complimentary Kids Club for children aged 6-12, which runs daily from 9:30 am to 3 pm, offering a full schedule of activities.

Additional family-friendly amenities include complimentary laundry, babysitting services for a fee, and portacots available for hire. You can also join the free 30-minute “garden tour” to discover culturally significant plants in the resort’s beautiful grounds.

See how the resort compares to the 20 Best Resorts in Rarotonga.

Book Pacific Resort Rarotonga:

20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga [2023]

2. Edgewater Resort & Spa

Welcome to Rarotonga’s largest resort! Nestled along the palm-fringed beach of Arorangi, the Edgewater Resort & Spa boasts a prime position for glorious sunsets and offers everything families need for a fun yet relaxing stay in paradise. While rooms are simplistic in design, they’re airy and spacious.

The real magic happens at the “Activities Hut”, where a lively community vibe thrives. From cooking demos to crab hunts, activities are central to the Edgewater experience.

The Coconut Kids’ Club ensures that both parents and children can enjoy their own slice of paradise. With its array of entertainment options, Edgewater creates unforgettable family memories against the backdrop of Rarotonga’s stunning scenery.

Learn more about the kids’ club in The Best Kids’ Clubs in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Book Edgewater Resort & Spa:

3. Mama Taras Bungalows

If the resort holiday is not your family’s style, try a slice of home-away-from-home paradise at Mama Taras Bungalows. Set back among the fruit tree gardens in the town of Muri, a small selection of contemporary bungalows is available for families of up to four.

Alternatively, enjoy an ultra-contemporary stay in the villa, accommodating up to six guests, with its own private pool. Either way, you have your own space with self-catering facilities and are within a short walking distance of Muri Beach, offering tours and restaurants.

Check out more self-catering stays like this in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Rarotonga.

Book Mama Taras Bungalows:

4. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Nestled on Aroa Beach, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium offers a family-friendly paradise with a full resort experience. Kids will love the pool with slides, while parents appreciate the array of facilities.

The resort provides free reef shoes and snorkelling gear, perfect for exploring the marine reserve lagoon. You can also join the night snorkelling activity (a small fee applies) to spot parrotfish, octopuses, and eels.

The resort’s famous Island Night, held on Mondays, features an umu feast and the Akirata Cultural Dancing Team. Daily activities include sarong painting, snorkelling lessons, fish feeding tours, and ukulele lessons.

For dining, Captain Andy’s Restaurant offers all-day lunch with lagoon views, as well as a Sunday roast dinner. With live music, trivia nights, and themed dinners, there’s never a dull moment at this vibrant resort.

Book The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium:

5. Palm Grove

A boutique resort on the absolute beachfront of Rarotonga’s southern shores, Palm Grove welcomes guests of all ages. Children aged five and under stay for free and can enjoy the children’s pool, paddling pool, and borrow sand toys from reception.

While families can enjoy quiet nights in with the kitchen facilities provided in their villa, the on-site Yellow Hibiscus restaurant provides a welcome break from cooking. Explore the lagoon with the kayaks and snorkelling gear, or relax in your self-contained villa or two/three-bedroom house.

Discover more options like this in our list of the 10 Best Boutique Resorts on Rarotonga.

Book Palm Grove:

20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga [2025]

6. Lagoon Breeze Villas

An easy transition into island time, Lagoon Breeze Villas certainly sets the scene with their thatched holiday homes set among spacious tropical gardens. There’s plenty of room for kids to run around, have a swim in the pool or a paddle in the toddlers’ pool, and Aroa Beach is just across the road.

All 25 villas feature fully equipped kitchens, while the five-bedroom villa boasts its own private pool. There’s a breakfast area where you don’t have to worry about your first meal of the day, while the bar is open for happy hour each day.

Check out more villas in the 20 Best Villas in Rarotonga.

Book Lagoon Breeze Villas:

7. Nautilus Resort

Indulge in absolute privacy and design choices that can’t help but “wow” at the luxury Nautilus Resort. Each ‘are (bungalow) here features a private saltwater plunge pool, high ceilings and a spacious layout that the whole family can enjoy.

There are luxury villas suitable for families of three to eight, while on-site amenities include a large infinity pool, the popular Nautilus Restaurant, free use of watersports equipment, and the indulgent Spa Nautilis. See more stays like this in the 10 Best Luxury Resorts on Rarotonga.

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8. Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa

An alternative luxury option for families seeking to treat themselves, Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa offers a small selection of uniquely designed one, two, and three-bedroom villas. Enjoy entertaining from your elegantly designed kitchen or from the barbecue in front of your private pool.

Alternatively, Muri‘s restaurants are just a short walk down the beach, or you can make use of the complimentary transfers to the Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Babysitting services are available, or children are welcome to join the kids’ club at the Pacific Resort.

Book Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa:

9. Nikao Beach Bungalows

Moments away from the conveniences of Avarua and Rarotonga International Airport yet directly on the sands of Nikao Beach, Nikao Beach Bungalows is the ultimate accommodation for a fly-and-flop family holiday.

The spacious two-bedroom villas are a great option for families, featuring a kitchen, a deck with a barbecue, and ample space to lounge both indoors and on the beach. Take advantage of the free-to-use kayaks and the outdoor shower so the little ones don’t drag sand into the house!

Book Nikao Beach Bungalows:

10. Paradise Holiday Homes

Either stay in one of the four four-bedroom villas of Paradise Holiday Homes or hire out the whole place for up to 32 people! With mahogany-lined exteriors and interior features, you’d better think “wood is good” at these holiday homes that offer a unique aesthetic on the island.

A highlight is your personal pool area with a Webber barbecue at the ready. There’s oodles of space in each villa, while the property is set back away from road traffic, yet is only a kilometre from Titikaveka Beach.

Book Paradise Holiday Homes:

11. Muri Beachcomber

Enjoy light and airy self-contained units at a quiet location on Muri Beach. Muri Beachcomber‘s family rooms are scattered throughout the gardens of this spacious property, each unit boasting a fully equipped kitchen and separate bedrooms for parents and children.

Your stay includes a generous number of inclusions, such as airport transfers, kayaks, SUP boards, snorkelling gear, wet suits, and bicycles. The guest lounge also has everything you need to stay entertained before your flight or on a rainy day, including movies, a computer, and a shower room.

Book Muri Beachcomber:

12. The Black Pearl Beachside Apartments

Black Pearl Apartments offers a practical and convenient stay in Rarotonga. Located right across the road from the beach, guests enjoy complimentary use of masks, snorkels, and reef shoes – perfect for spontaneous snorkelling adventures! The property features a central pool, guest laundry facilities, and 12 airy suites with self-catering amenities.

You’ll find CITC Mini, a general store, right next door, while a selection of restaurants is nearby for easy dining options. For the best experience, we recommend asking for a renovated room. It’s an affordable choice that doesn’t skimp on amenities or location.

Book The Black Pearl Beachside Apartments:

13. Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape

Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape is one of the island’s hidden gems, offering a tranquil retreat just a two-minute walk from the beach. The star of the show is the spacious, furnished patio area, surrounded by lush tropical plants, which creates a private oasis.

Families can choose from contemporary one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each boasting expansive decks and both indoor and outdoor lounging spaces. While not beachfront, guests can enjoy the boutique resort’s pool and communal barbecue area.

A delightful fruit platter welcomes you on arrival, setting the tone for your self-catering stay in this tropical paradise.

Book Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape out:

14. Manea on Muri

Families of all sizes can enjoy a stay at Manea on Muri, featuring three villas and a convenient location close to the heart of Muri. Get in some pool time at the pool overlooking the lagoon or hit the lagoon itself with the kayaks provided.

Should you want some alone time or to hit up one of Raro’s more adult activities, Manea can arrange a babysitting service. The villas here are reminiscent of a New Zealand “bach” with interiors that are a little dated but well-kept nonetheless.

Book Manea on Muri:

15. Moana Sands Beachfront Villas & Apartments

Get the experience of a resort with the convenience of a holiday home at Moana Sands Beachfront Villas & Apartments. Situated in the quiet village of Vaimaanga on the south coast, each of the 10 villas overlooks a deck-lined swimming pool and the lagoon.

Villas are modern with a simplistic design that features Polynesian artwork. There’s also room to relax at the on-site Hibiscus Spa. See how it compares to the 10 Best Spas in Rarotonga.

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16. Coral Sands Apartments

Coral Sands Apartments offers seven boutique self-catering apartments on the sunset side of Rarotonga. Located in Arorangi, these apartments are just a short stroll from the beach, making them perfect for capturing those golden hour moments.

Families will love the two three-bedroom apartments, which accommodate up to eight guests and feature two bathrooms. Enjoy the private garden with a barbecue or the shared garden for some outdoor relaxation.

Parents can unwind on their private balcony, while the full kitchen, complete with a blender, makes meal prep a breeze. It’s the ideal spot for a laid-back, home-away-from-home experience in paradise.

Check out more stays like Coral Sands in the 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

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17. Arapati Holiday Homes

Larger family gatherings can find a place at one of the Arapati Holiday Homes. The “Arapati” two-bedroom villa sits directly on the beach and fits up to six guests, while the “Henry Villa” sleeps a whopping 10!

There’s plenty of space for children to play and adults to relax between the spacious living room, outdoor kitchen, elevated deck and the beach. Close to the property is Wigmore’s Superstore, one of the largest supermarkets on the island, so self-catering here is a breeze.

Learn more about the store and get other self-catering tips in the A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Rarotonga.

Book Arapati Holiday Homes:

18. Avana Waterfront Apartments

Strewn along the northern edge of the Muri Lagoon at the historic Avana Harbour, Avana Waterfront Apartments is a good go-to for families who want to experience some fishing during their stay with charters departing right from the accommodation’s jetty (or just enjoy feeding the fish off the jetty).

While most apartments fit up to three guests, the three-bedroom apartment is best suited for families with an occupancy of up to six.

You have a full-size kitchen with a dishwasher, kayaks available and babysitting services for a fee. The apartments are quite compact and less airy than others around Rarotonga, with some signs of wear, but they’re ideal for non-fussy travellers seeking affordability, a great location, and the bonus of a swimming pool.

Book Avana Waterfront Apartments:

19. Vaiakura Holiday Homes

Providing an unbeatable location and excellent value for money, Vaiakura Holiday Homes is a top choice for families. Four holiday homes line the sandy shores of Rarotonga’s sunset coast, ranging from an eight-pax four-bedroom holiday home to a more intimate one-bedroom studio.

Bask in lagoon views from the upper level of the multi-storey house and even go out and explore it with the kayaks provided. Like in most places in Raro, however, you’d better be okay with dogs coming to say hello.

Book Vaiakura Holiday Homes:

20. Moana Oasis Villa

Managed by Rentraro, this vast property is ideal for a couple of families travelling together. Moana Oasis Villa features a lavish outdoor pool and a covered barbecue area, and is just a short stroll from the beach.

The split-level home offers ample space, while the high fence surrounding the property ensures a nice and private setting. You have all you need for self-catering (apart from, of course, the food) with a contemporary kitchen featuring two fridge freezers and sliding doors that connect to the barbecue area.

Check out more homes in paradise in the 20 Best Holiday Homes in Rarotonga.

Book Moana Oasis Villa:

Moana Oasis Villa on Booking.com

More Family Resorts and Accommodations on Rarotonga

We find it hard to believe that you didn’t find anything suitable in this list of the best family resorts and accommodations on Rarotonga. But, if that should be the case, you might find something more to your liking in the following recommendations:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’ll likely find it in The Complete Travel Guide to the Cook Islands for Families and 30 Tips for Your Family Rarotonga & Cook Islands Vacation with Kids.

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

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga