What are the Customs in the Cook Islands?
When welcomed into a new country, it’s only fitting to respect the local customs and traditions. Luckily, there aren’t really any obscure rules to follow in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.
Cook Islanders tend to be very well-travelled themselves, many of whom have spent time in New Zealand and Australia, so are certainly no stranger to different behaviours from tourists. Nevertheless, as a religious country, there are certainly some rules when it comes to Sunday church, as well as a few minor rules of etiquette that are just good to know as a visitor.
We go over them all in this guide to the Cook Islands’ customs and traditions!
If you were looking for the other type of “customs”, head to Arriving in Rarotonga: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrivals Process…
Table of Contents
10 Dos and Don’ts in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
- DO wear respectable clothing to church.
- DON’T wear just your swimmers in villages and towns.
- DO say “Kia Orana” as a greeting.
- DON’T take any marine life from a ra’ui area.
- DO tip if you want to reward good service, but it’s not expected or mandatory.
- DON’T haggle.
- DON’T go nude in public, even at the beach.
- DO take off your shoes if invited into someone’s home.
- DO acknowledge someone if they have acknowledged you.
- DO ask; DON’T demand.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comWhat to Wear in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
While not as strict on clothing as other South Pacific Islands, Rarotonga and the Cook Islands do have a few social rules when it comes to what to wear. Visitors are encouraged to show respect for local customs and etiquette, especially when it comes to dress and interactions with the community.
Swimwear in the Cook Islands
A general rule for wearing swimwear in the Cook Islands is that it should be reserved for the beach or pool. It’s not appropriate to walk around villages and towns in just your one-piece or bikini top, for instance. Instead, it’s acceptable to cover up swimwear with a pareu (sarong).
What is Acceptable to Wear in Public in the Cook Islands
Dressing modestly is important—no swimwear, crop tops, or see-through clothing should be worn in public. And here’s a specific reminder: nude or topless sunbathing or swimming is not acceptable anywhere in the Cook Islands.
What to Wear for Church in the Cook Islands
When going to a church service, wear respectable clothing. Ideally, men should wear long trousers and a shirt, while women should cover their knees and, preferably, their shoulders as well. See the “Sundays in the Cook Islands” section below for more information.
Find out more about church etiquette in the 10 Best Churches in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for Visitors.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comSundays in the Cook Islands
As a predominantly Christian country, the Cook Islands observes Sunday as a day of worship and rest. For this reason, many shops, tours and businesses decide to close (though not all), and there are a few protocols to be aware of regarding Sunday in the Cook Islands.
First, keep the volume down; no loud music, no yelling, etc. Second, refrain from taking photos inside the church, although taking photos outside is permitted. Third, respect what the deacon (church staff) says or asks of you if you attend a service.
It is also customary to bring some change, known as a tithe, to donate to the church; they will pass around a small bag for donations. And, of course, while church is in session (10 am on Sunday for CICC, 9 am on Sunday for Catholic, and 10 am on Saturday for Seventh-day Adventists), please keep the noise around the church to a minimum.
Finally, note that clubs and bars in Avarua close at midnight on Saturdays and Sundays to respect the Sunday laws and customs.
What Can You Do on a Sunday in the Cook Islands?
For the most part, your holiday in the Cook Islands on a Sunday remains the same, except for a few tours and businesses that aren’t operating. However, many others are still open. Swimming, hiking the island trails, and exploring the islands are still acceptable activities. Check out the 10 Things to Do in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands on a Sunday for ideas.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com10 Other Rules of Etiquette in the Cook Islands
While not fitting into a specific category, there are other local customs and rules to observe when visiting the Cook Islands.
- If someone waves, nods or acknowledges you in any way, acknowledge them back; it is seen as rude to look away/ignore them.
- Tucking a flower behind your left ear means you are single; the right means you are taken.
- Ra’ui is a traditional method of resource management where parts of the coastline are given back to the gods. While you are allowed to swim in ra’ui areas, do not touch or take any marine life, not even shells.
- Tipping is not expected or mandatory, but it is appreciated.
- Haggling is not customary in the Cook Islands.
- If you are invited into someone’s home, remove your footwear (and don’t come empty-handed if you were given enough time to prepare; bring a gift).
- Be discreet when breastfeeding in public.
- Stick to the speed limits when driving – see 10 Road Rules for more information and tips.
- The legal drinking age in the Cook Islands is 18 years old.
- Engage in cultural activities with genuine interest and humility.
More About Cook Islands Customs and Traditions
That’s it for our guide to the Cook Islander etiquette and how to respect the Rarotonga and Cook Islands customs and traditions. For more advice regarding the local culture, check out the following guides:
- The Guide to the Religions in the Cook Islands
- A Traveller’s Guide to the Cook Islands Culture
- Who are the People of the Cook Islands?
Finally, for all your other essential travel tips for the Cooks, head to The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide and 30 Tips for Travelling in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
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])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - 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])
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