20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga [2024]

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

All the boxes are ticked for an effortless family vacation at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga. Stay nestled among the winding paths of manicured gardens or on Muri Beach, dine at the on-site restaurant with Pacific delights and a dedicated kids’ menu (trust us, that’s not common on Raro), and allow each family member to enjoy their own Raro time thanks to the resort’s fantastic kids’ club. Whether you want to spend some time together on the beach making use of the kayaks or let them loose at the kids’ pool, Pacific Resort Rarotonga can cater for an idyllic family holiday. See how the resort compares to the 20 Best Resorts in Rarotonga.

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20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga [2023]

2. Edgewater Resort & Spa

Welcome to Rarotonga’s largest resort! Set along the palm-lined beach of Arorangi, the Edgewater Resort & Spa not only has a prime position for glorious sunsets but it happens to have everything families need for a fun yet relaxing stay in paradise. Rooms are simplistic in their design but airy with service making up for the lack of aesthetic luxury. When it comes to family fun, the Activities Hut will keep the whole family entertained, while the Coconut Kids’ Club gives families room to have their own holidays. Learn more about the kids’ club in The Best Kids’ Clubs in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

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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 are available for families of up to four. Alternatively, enjoy an ultra-contemporary stay in the villa for up to six guests with its own private pool. Either way, you have your own space with self-catering facilities and are within short walking distance of Muri Beach and its tours and restaurants. Check out more self-catering stays like this in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Rarotonga.

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4. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Set on the shores of Aroa Beach and a marine reserve, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is one of the best places to snorkel and explore the lagoon with kids. Kids love the educational (and free) Moko’s Kids’ Club while parents love the fact that children ages 11 and under can stay for free! There’s no group too big or too small for The Rarotongan, with rooms able to interconnect to keep the family together. Wherever you stay among the vast complex, kids will have a blast charging through the winding garden pathways to get to their next adventure.

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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 will enjoy the children’s pool, paddling pool, and sand toys to borrow 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 between relaxing in your self-contained villa or two/three-bedroom house. See more options like this in the 10 Best Boutique Resorts on Rarotonga.

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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 have fully-equipped kitchens, while the five-bedroom villa has its own 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.

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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 up to eight, while on-site is also a large infinity pool, the popular Nautilus Restaurant, free use of watersports equipment, as well as 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 has 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 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.

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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 good go-to for families, including a kitchen and a deck with a barbecue and plenty of places to lounge both inside 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!

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10. Coral Sands Apartments

Soaking up the sunset on Arorangi, Coral Sands Apartments is a short stroll from the beach. Out of the seven apartments, there are two three-bedroom apartments that are made for families. Up to eight guests can enjoy these apartments, featuring two bathrooms so there’s not too much chaos. Families can also spread out between the private garden with a barbecue or the shared garden. Parents have a balcony from their room, as well as a full kitchen including the novelty of a blender! Check out more stays like Coral Sands in the 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

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11. 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 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.

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12. Muri Beachcomber

Enjoy light and airy self-contained units at a quiet location on Muri Beach. Muri Beachcomber‘s family rooms are scattered among the gardens of this spacious property, with each unit boasting a fully-equipped kitchen and separate bedrooms for the parents and children. There are a generous number of inclusions with your stay, such as airport transfers, kayaks, SUP boards, snorkelling gear, wet shoes and bicycles. The guest lounge also has everything you need to keep entertained before your flight or on a rainy day with movies, a computer and a shower room.

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13. 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.

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14. 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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15. The Black Pearl at Puaikura

An affordable boutique resort experience, The Black Pearl at Puaikura is another great consideration for family accommodation on Rarotonga. Surrounding a central pool among tropical gardens are 12 airy suites adorning modern murals and self-catering facilities.

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16. 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.

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17. Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape

Nestled among gorgeous tropical plants, the privacy more than makes up for the fact that you’re not on the beach at Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape (but don’t worry, it’s a two-minute walk away). Yet you are footsteps away from the boutique resort’s pool and communal barbecue area. Families have contemporary one, two and three-bedroom apartments to enjoy with spacious decks and indoor and outdoor lounging spaces.

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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.

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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 better be Ok with dogs coming to say hello.

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20. Moana Oasis Villa

Managed by Rentraro, this huge property is ideal for a couple of families travelling together. Moana Oasis Villa features a lavish outdoor pool, a covered barbecue area and is just a short stroll to the beach. The split-level home offers plenty of space, while the high fence encircling the property keeps things nice and private. You have all you need for self-catering (apart from, you know, the food) with a contemporary kitchen with two fridge freezers and sliding doors connecting to the barbecue area. Check out more homes in paradise in the 20 Best Holiday Homes in Rarotonga.

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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.

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.

Contact Laura via our contact page