10 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

On the eastern side of Rarotonga, Muri Beach is, indeed, the perfect place to watch the sunrise on Rarotonga. Looking out toward the lagoon's four motu (islets), striking silhouettes are cast against the vibrant hues of the sunrise.

And with so many of Rarotonga's resorts located on Muri Beach, for many of us, there's no excuse not to wake up early one day to catch one of the best sunrises in the Cook Islands.

Location: Muri Beach, Muri, southeast coast of Rarotonga.

Elevate your views both literally and figuratively by doing the guided sunrise hike of the Arore Trek. This privately owned (and made) track takes you through the inland forest to a stellar viewpoint where you can watch the sunrise over the Muri Lagoon.

Run by Arore Mountain Adventures, the trail winds through inland forests where you can spot wildlife and take in interesting flora and fauna, with your guide Luther sharing stories of how he established the trail himself.

The ascent is relatively steep but manageable, with ropes in place to help along the way. At the summit, panoramic views of Muri Lagoon and its motu (islets), plus the inland mountains and valleys, make every step worth it.

The walk lasts approximately 1 hr 30 mins return and is available either during the day or at sunrise (headlamps provided).

At the northern tip of the Muri Lagoon, in the village of Ngatangiia, the Avana Harbour offers still waters and an eerie quietness that's beautiful to experience at the crack of dawn. There are jetties just off the main road (Ara Tapu), as well as in front of the Avana Waterfront Apartments, which make for eye-pleasing additions to your sunrise photos.

Also, check out the historical vaka migration site, as described in the 10 Best Historical Sites in the Cook Islands.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), just north of the Avana Stream, Ngatangiia. Or take the Kaireva Drive turnoff just 300 m (330 yards) north.

Just curving around the southeast coast of Rarotonga, Titikaveka Beach is certainly not to be overlooked as an excellent sunrise spot in the Cook Islands. Especially in summer, when the sun's path has a much wider arch, this picturesque beach captures both stunning sunrises and sunsets.

After watching the sunrise, head to the nearby Tikioki Beach for some of the best snorkelling on Rarotonga.

Location: The stretch of coast between Ocean Blue Villas to the west and Charlie's Cafe, Titikaveka, southeast coast of Rarotonga.

On the main island of Aitutaki, take the short but rewarding climb to the top of Maunga Pu for amazing views of the sunrise across the motu of the Aitutaki Lagoon. Details of the hike can be found in the 5 Best Walks on Aitutaki.

Location: West coast of Aitutaki between Paradise Cove and Tai Marino. Park on the abandoned lot opposite the Maunga Pu sign or at the crossroads up the trail where the tar-sealed road meets the grassy road.

Similar to the sunrise spot mentioned above, the Piraki Lookout is another excellent place to watch the sunrise from a height on the main island of Aitutaki. At least this time, you can drive all the way to the top.

Location: Well signposted from both the east and west sides of Aitutaki. From the west side, turn inland near the Heineken Store, then turn left at the crossroads.

It has picnic benches and even an eco-loo, so there's no reason not to venture to Vaipae Wharf on Aitutaki to watch the sunrise! The position of the wharf on the eastern side of the main island, looking out across the lagoon and its motu, means you're in a stellar spot to capture the whole lagoon in its morning splendour!

Location: Take the turnoff toward the coast just south of the Vaipae CICC Church, Vaipae, east coast of Aitutaki.

When it comes to visiting the smaller outer islands, you'll experience blissfully secluded stretches of beach at any time of day. On the island of Atiu, a few steps carved into the rocks lead to Oneroa Beach.

Not only is it a stunning place to watch the sunrise, but at low tide, you can walk to more natural wonders at The Three Grottos. Check out instructions on how to get to the Grottos in the 10 Free Things to Do on Atiu.

As an added sunrise bonus, check out Sunrise Breakfast with Vito, which takes place at various locations along the east coast of Atiu.

Location: Oneroa Beach, southeast side of Atiu.

This fairly large beach on the island of Mauke sits in the centre of the east coast. Not only a stunning place to watch the sunrise but Anaraura Beach is backed by delightful beachside gardens with picnic tables and thatched shelters.

Location: Just off the coastal road, central east coast of Mauke.

Finally, another glorious way to witness the sunrise from anywhere in the Cook Islands is from the water, gazing out across the Pacific Ocean. Yes, there are "sunrise cruises" in the Cook Islands in the form of fishing charters, because early morning tends to be the best time to reel in the pelagic fish of the South Pacific.

Check out the best ones listed in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in the Cook Islands.

Location: See the link above for locations.