The Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 2026

Last Updated: 9 June, 2025

Where to Hire Kayaks in the Cook Islands

The placid crystal-clear lagoon waters are oh-so enticing for paddling, but where can you hire kayaks in the Cook Islands? Luckily, the island of Rarotonga is well-equipped with not only kayak rentals but also accommodations offering kayak hire free for guests.

Alternatively, many of Aitutaki‘s accommodations also offer kayaks for guest use. Kayaking is not available on the other outer islands of the Cook Islands due to the lack of tourism infrastructure. So, find out where you can rent a kayak from in Rarotonga and Aitutaki with this list of the best kayak hires in the Cook Islands!

How Much is Kayak Hire in Rarotonga?

The kayak rental companies all charge around the same price for kayak rentals in Rarotonga. Expect to pay around NZ$15-$20 for one hour in a single kayak or NZ$25 for two hours. Double kayaks are approximately NZ$20-$27 for one hour or NZ$30-$54 for two to three hours.

Where Can I Go Kayaking in Rarotonga?

Just check out our guide, Kayaking in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Top 5 Places to Kayak, for inspiration.

KiteSUP

KiteSUP, a vibrant watersport centre on Muri Beach, offers an array of exciting activities from Sunday to Friday. You’ll love their comfortable kayaks, perfect for all ages, with one-hour and two-hour rentals available in both single and double options.

Don’t miss the chance to try paddleboarding (complete with a free lesson!), or gear up with their snorkelling equipment and wetsuits. For more paddleboarding adventures, check out the 5 Best Places for Stand-Up Paddleboarding.

Location: Muri Beach, Ngatangiia, southeast coast of Rarotonga. Their shop is on Main Road (Ara Tapu).

4 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2025]

Captain Tama’s Water Sports Hire

Captain Tama’s not only offers lagoon cruises but also water sports hire, including kayaks. There are single and double kayaks available to hire, with lifejackets available.

You can also get prepared for snorkelling with masks, snorkels, fins and reef shoes also available to hire. Alternatively, paddleboards are available. Check out the 10 Best Day Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Muri Beach by the yellow boats, Rarotonga.

Adventure Cook Islands

Adventure Cook Islands is your go-to spot for kayaking adventures in Rarotonga. They offer a range of kayak rentals, from single to double kayaks, with flexible hire options spanning from hourly to multi-day hires. (You’ll love the discounts on longer rentals!)

Located on the main road in Aroa, at the south-west corner of Rarotonga, they’re conveniently situated for your paddling expedition. For multi-day hires, they’ll even deliver to your accommodation if you meet the pricing threshold – how’s that for service?

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Aroa Beach, nearby The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium, south-west Rarotonga.

5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2025]

Rarotonga and Aitutaki Resort Kayaks

Before you go hiring a kayak, make sure that your chosen accommodation doesn’t provide kayaks for guests for free! It’s almost always the case for beachfront accommodations on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Just to name a few on Rarotonga, you have The Rarotongan and Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach, Sea Change Villas, Muri Beachcomber, Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape, Lagoon Breeze Villas, Motu Beachfront Art Villas, Muri Beach Hideaway, Crown Beach Resort & Spa, Muri Beach Club Hotel and much much more!

On Aitutaki, a few accommodations with kayaks include Tamanu Beach Resort, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Aitutaki Escape, Ranginui’s Retreat, Aitutaki Village and more!

Check out more stays in The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.

5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ???? [2023]

More About Kayaking in the Cook Islands

That’s it for the best kayak hires in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. For more about watersports, check out the following articles:

Finally, add much more to your bucket list by using the 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

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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