10 Best Hotels in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🏨 [2026]

Last Updated: 6 June, 2025

Are There Hotels in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands?

As a tropical holiday hotspot, Rarotonga favours much more the “resort” style accommodation rather than hotels. That being said, there are a couple of accommodations that list themselves as hotels, but you’ll find that most accommodation falls under the category of resorts, holiday villas or holiday homes. Regardless, this list of the best hotels in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands is a great place to start your search for the perfect stay!

New to this whole “Cook Islands” thing? Head to The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide when you’re done and get more tips from the 30 Tips for Travelling in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

1. Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel

Starting with one of the “official” hotels in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel is a three-star hotel with an idyllic setting right on the sands of Tikitaveka Beach. While rooms are unimaginative compared to the resorts in the Cook Islands, they make up for the fact by all being on the beachfront!

The hotel caters to just about anyone with deluxe rooms for couples, interconnecting rooms for families, as well as kayaks, barbecue facilities and an on-site restaurant to keep everyone entertained. See how the hotel compares to others on the island in the 20 Best Resorts on Rarotonga.

Book Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel:

10 Best Hotels in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🏨 [2025]

2. Muri Beach Club Hotel

Reserved for guests aged 18 and above, the Muri Beach Club Hotel offers 30 hotel rooms on the shores of Muri Beach, around their courtyard and their large central swimming pool.

Play a game of giant chess, enjoy your complimentary breakfast by the pool, and lounge on the beachfront where snorkelling gear is available, or you can get a massage on the sands from the on-site spa. See how their spa compares to others across the Cook Islands in the 10 Best Spa Resorts in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Book Muri Beach Club Hotel:

10 Best Hotels in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ???? [2023]

3. Edgewater Resort & Spa

Welcome to Rarotonga’s largest resort, boasting a prime beachfront location in Arorangi. The Edgewater Resort & Spa offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for couples, families, and groups alike. With its stunning sunset views and array of facilities, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable tropical getaway.

At the heart of the resort experience is the lively Activities Hut, where guests can immerse themselves in a vibrant community atmosphere. From cooking demos to crab hunts, the diverse range of activities creates a fun and engaging environment for all.

Don’t miss out on the Coconut Kids’ Club, perfect for young adventurers. With its spacious rooms, on-site restaurants, and conference facilities, the Edgewater truly caters to every need.

Learn more about the best resorts for families in the 20 Best Family Resorts in the Cook Islands.

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4. Crown Beach Resort & Spa

A short drive from Rarotonga’s airport, Crown Beach Resort & Spa is another resort with hotel-like amenities and an ideal retreat for a fly-and-flop getaway.

Transition effortlessly to island time with each room of the adults-only resort featuring tasteful, design-driven furniture and artwork. Some offer private pools, while others circle a courtyard pool or are scattered throughout verdant gardens.

For dinner, choose from the relaxed Ocean’s Restaurant, fine dining at Flambé, or a private dinner with your loved one on the beach. The resort also features some of the best conference and business facilities on Rarotonga.

See more adults-only hotels in the 20 Best Adults-Only Resorts in the Cook Islands.

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5. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Set on the shores of Aroa Beach and a marine reserve, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium offers a family-friendly experience with a full range of resort facilities. The resort boasts a kids’ pool with slides and provides free reef shoes and snorkelling gear for exploring the lagoon.

Families will love the wide array of daily activities, including sarong painting, snorkelling lessons, fish feeding tours, and ukulele lessons. There’s also a popular Island Night every Monday, featuring an umu feast and dance show. For a unique experience, join the night snorkelling activity to spot parrot fish, octopus, and eels (a small fee applies).

Dining options include Captain Andy’s Restaurant, offering specials like all-day lunch with lagoon views and Sunday roast dinner. With live music, trivia nights, and themed dinners, there’s something for everyone at this comprehensive resort.

See how The Rarotongan stacks up in The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Book The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium:

6. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort

For a truly exclusive adults-only experience, the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort is a five-star retreat set on its own private motu. Catering to guests aged 16 and over, this luxurious resort offers a range of accommodations, including overwater bungalows and beachfront private infinity pool villas.

Indulge in the resort’s infinity pool dining experience with panoramic views of the stunning lagoon. The dedicated ferry service, “Princess Moana”, runs between the main island and the resort motu daily from 7 am to 10 pm, ensuring easy access for guests.

With its adults-only policy and exclusive setting, this resort offers a tranquil escape for couples and solo travellers seeking a slice of paradise in the heart of the South Pacific. The effortlessly romantic resort also features in our 20 Most Romantic Honeymoon Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Book Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort:

7. The Islander Hotel

Conveniently located near the airport, The Islander Hotel in Rarotonga offers a blend of comfort and entertainment. The hotel boasts two vibrant venues: the Islander Restaurant & Bar and the Hula Bar, perfect for those seeking a lively atmosphere.

With a 24-hour front desk and the island’s most affordable same-day laundry service, convenience is key here. Air-conditioned rooms come equipped with tea and coffee facilities and complimentary bathroom amenities.

While the beach directly in front isn’t suitable for swimming, don’t worry – a complimentary shuttle whisks guests to Nikao Golden Beach twice daily.

The highlight? Don’t miss their entertaining Island Night every Tuesday. It’s an ideal choice for travellers wanting easy access to both the airport and amenities.

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8. Central Motel

Right in the heart of Avarua, Central Motel offers affordable hotel-style accommodation within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the bus station.

The 14 rooms of the motel are, of course, super basic but are well-kept with standard breakfast-making facilities and an ensuite. A nice little touch is that the spa pool is in the gardens.

Note that there are only rooms for a maximum of two guests. See more cheap hotels in Rarotonga in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

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9. Vaima Beachfront Apartments

These contemporary boutique apartments/hotel rooms in Vaimaanga are right on the beach where you can step out of your apartment and feel your toes in the sand.

Each sleek and modern apartment at Vaima Beachfront Apartments is tastefully decorated and fits up to four guests across a large double bed and two singles.

Your well-equipped kitchen has a stovetop, microwave and dishwasher, while one of the largest supermarkets, Wigmore’s Superstore, is within walking distance. Check out more accommodation with kitchen facilities in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Book Vaima Beachfront Apartments:

Vaima Beachfront Apartments on Booking.com

10. Atiu Villas

Atiu Villas is a beloved, long-running accommodation on the island of Atiu, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and those seeking to unplug. Set in lush gardens, these self-contained villas provide a quiet, laid-back atmosphere.

The on-site restaurant operates on a set menu and schedule, while each villa comes stocked with provisions for self-catering (just pay on departure).

You’ll find yourself just a 30-minute stroll from Matai Beach and a quick 10-minute walk to the local café – perfect for your morning brew. The property includes airport transfers and an orientation tour on arrival, ensuring you’re well-equipped to explore this less-visited island.

With its friendly hospitality and convenient amenities, Atiu Villas offers an effortless stay that captures the essence of island living. See how the accommodation compares to the limited selection on Atiu in The Best Atiu Accommodations.

More Hotels in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

Now that we have exhausted the offering of the most hotel-like accommodations in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, check out some alternative stays, such as resorts, holiday villas and more, in the lists below:

Finally, if you haven’t yet found the perfect place to stay, start from square one with Where to Stay in the Cook Islands: The Best Cook Islands Accommodations.

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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