12 Best Island Nights in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 2025

Last Updated: 7 June, 2025

What is the Best Island Night in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands?

Part of the Cook Islands culture that has stood the test of time is traditional dancing – a must-see while visiting the Cook Islands! It’s not just a show for tourists, as dance troupes across the Cook Islands use the opportunity of “island nights” to fundraise for touring the world, as well as practice for entering the revered “Dancer of the Year” competitions held in the Cook Islands.

Luckily for us, island nights provide an evening of fun, humour and pure awe as performers give their all and showcase amazing technical skills. Island nights are also an excuse to sample traditional Cook Islands cuisine, where you’ll taste much of what is featured in the 10 Foods to Try in the Cook Islands.

See which island nights to attend by comparing them in this list of the best island nights in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands! We also list the best island nights in Aitutaki and Atiu!

Rarotonga and Aitutaki Island Night Schedule

📅 Day	🌴 Rarotonga	🏝️ Aitutaki
Monday	Highland Paradise, Umu Experience, Rarotongan Beach Resort, Tumutoa Tours	Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort
Tuesday	Te Vara Nui Village, The Islander Hotel, The Edgewater Resort & Spa	Resort Tava’e
Wednesday	Highland Paradise, Umu Experience	Tamanu Beach Resort
Thursday	Te Vara Nui Village, Tumutoa Tours, Crown Beach Resort & Spa	Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort
Friday	Highland Paradise	N/A
Saturday	The Edgewater Resort & Spa, Te Vara Nui Village	Tamanu Beach Resort
Sunday	N/A	N/A

1. Highland Paradise – The Best Island Night in the Cook Islands

High on the hills of Arorangi, Highland Paradise offers one of the most unique island nights 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 with a captivating show moving through different styles of Cook Island 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. Otherwise, you can self-drive to Maungaroa Drive, Arorangi (west side of Rarotonga).

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2. Te Vara Nui Village – The Best Island Night on Rarotonga

It would seem like a bit of a cop-out if we were to say how unique Te Vara Nui Village is, too, but it’s true! This is the Cook Islands’ only overwater island night, where performers do their thing on platforms in the middle of a gorgeous tropical water garden. Needless to say, the venue is stunning, as are the costumes that are worn by the talented dancers who tell the legend of “Tongaiti” through their performance.

Of course, a buffet dinner is also included in the experience, featuring dishes from both Polynesian and Western cultures. The experience is approximately three hours, starting at 6:30 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 bring enough cash for drinks.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri (east side of Rarotonga). Transfers are available for a fee.

10 Best Island Nights in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💃🏾 [2025]

3. Tamanu Island Night – The Best Island Night on Aitutaki

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 both 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 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 hours-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.

4. The Edgewater Resort & Spa – The Best Value Island Night

Saturday nights are island nights at The Edgewater Resort & Spa. The largest resort in the Cook Islands puts on an epic event starting with a generous buffet of umukai, food that has been slow-cooked in an underground oven, as well as some crowd-pleasers.

After dinner and dessert are done, along with the relaxing island sounds of a local string band, the main event begins! Watch an hour-long performance from the talented Ta’akoka Dance Troupe or Akirata Dance Troupe on the stage of the resort’s undercover restaurant.

The event starts at 7 pm with entertainment up until 11 pm* (approximately four hours) every Tuesday and Saturday. Ending times may vary depending on which group is performing.

Location: Edgewater Resort & Spa. Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi (west side of Rarotonga).

9 Best Island Nights in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 💃🏾 [2025]

5. The Islander Hotel – The Cheapest Island Night

The Islander Hotel hosts a standout weekly event, Island Night, on Tuesdays. This vibrant cultural experience includes a diverse buffet of local cuisine and a captivating show, providing a perfect combination of food and entertainment.

The hotel’s Hula Bar is a popular hangout for both guests and locals, even more so when it’s island night!

The evening features the dynamic Akirata Dance Troupe, a 47-member group of talented dancers, musicians, and fire dancers adorned in award-winning costumes. You’ll even see performances by Cook Islands national dancer of the year winners! The entire experience lasts about three hours, kicking off at 6:30 pm.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), opposite Rarotonga Airport, Nikao (north side of Rarotonga).

6. Umu Experience – The Island Night with the Best Food

Specialising in umu cooking classes, Umu Experience also hosts an awesome island night at their cultural centre near Avarua. The more intimate island show 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).

7. Tumutoa Tours – The Most Interactive Island Night

Tumutoa Tours‘ “Umu Feast Stringband & Fireshow” offers the most immersive island night experience in Rarotonga. This 4 hrs 30 mins adventure, held on Mondays and Thursdays from 3 pm to 7:30 pm, invites you to be more than just a spectator.

You’ll learn to prepare an umu (earth oven) feast, weave your own food basket, and master the art of husking and grating coconuts to make coconut cream for ikamata. As you cook, enjoy the soothing sounds of a string band. The night culminates in a shared feast and a mesmerising fire show.

It’s a hands-on cultural experience you won’t forget! A minimum of 20 people is required, so book early to secure your spot.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi, west side of Rarotonga (well signposted off the main road).

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8. Crown Beach Resort & Spa – The Best Restaurant for an 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 island night.

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).

9. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort – The Best Adults-Only Island Night

… And we don’t mean anything weird. What we mean is an island night experience at the exclusively adults-only resort, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort! Every Monday evening, this luxurious 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.

10. The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium – The Best Island Night for Families

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 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! (Trust us, we’ve tried them all!)

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.

11. Resort Tava’e – The Cook Islands’ Newest Island Night

Visitors can immerse themselves once again in Aitutaki at Resort Tava’e‘s newest 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 blend 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.

12. King Dryden’s Aqua Ventures – An Island Night With a Difference

Get ready for an island night 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.

More About Island Nights in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

That’s it for the best island nights in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. For more cultural experiences, check out the following guides:

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])

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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