How to Propose in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands
From the jutting mountaintops of Rarotonga to the azure lagoon of Aitutaki, there are many stunning spots to ask “the question”. Want to make it extra special? Resorts and tour operators are happy to work with fiancés-to-be to curate the perfect moment, whether it’s privately in your villa or an elaborate display while on a tour. We go through some of the best Cook Islands proposal ideas in the list of ways to propose in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands.
There are so many beautiful places across the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, however, you may just find that you’ll find it simpler to drop to one knee when the time is right… Check out some beautiful places in the 10 Best Photography Spots and Top 10 Sights in the Cook Islands – trust us, they make stunning places to propose too.
1. Private Island Proposal
When we think “private island proposal”, we think Aitutaki! What’s often described as the world’s most beautiful lagoon is the perfect place to find pristine uninhabited “motu” (islet) surrounded by brilliant turquoise water. There are plenty of water taxis in Aitutaki that are happy to take you out to one of the glorious motu for the day, even prepare a picnic hamper for you, then it’s just you and your partner to enjoy paradise with the grand finale: popping the question!
Learn more about romance in Aitutaki in The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Aitutaki.
2. Luxury Villa Proposal
Luxury villas often just happen to be in the most stunning locations for a Cook Islands proposal: on the beach with glorious lagoon views. Sea Change Villas on Rarotonga have specialists on hand to help you organise a creative proposal, whether it’s on the beach, beside a coconut heart, within the gardens or a special moment in your beautiful villa with picturesque views. Or get in touch with any of the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts in the Cook Islands and see how they can help make your proposal truly magical.
3. Private Beach Dinner
The “private dinner on the beach” is a staple of many of the resorts here in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and the result is irresistibly romantic. Resorts like the Crown Beach Resort & Spa and Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort offer private dining under a gorgeous decorated gazebo while a barefoot beach dinner can also be organised at Etu Moana, Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach, Pacific Resort Rarotonga and countless others. Who could say no?
4. On Top of a Mountain
The Cook Islands isn’t just all about the beach, so if you want to surprise your loved one with something a little different, how about a mountaintop proposal? There are many stunning vistas to be had across Rarotonga from hikes such as the Cross-Island Trek, the sunrise hike with Arore Mountain Adventures and the short-but-sweet climb up Maungapu in Aitutaki. See the most stunning viewpoints and how to get there in the 10 Best Walks & Hikes in the Cook Islands.
5. Snorkelling, Kayaking and More!
And for those unconventional couples (you know who you are), you might like to do something a little crazy yet utterly memorable like proposing underwater while snorkelling or diving (hide the ring in a shell, perhaps?) or out in the middle of an azure lagoon while kayaking (let’s just hope she/he doesn’t say no or that will be an awkward paddle back). Tour guides on lagoon cruises, island tours and the like are usually very easy to work with if wanting to organise a proposal during a tour! Check out some operators in the 10 Best Guided Tours of Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
More About Proposals in the Cook Islands
That’s it for our Rarotonga and the Cook Islands proposal ideas! You may find more inspiration for an utterly romantic getaway using the following guides:
- The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Rarotonga
- 20 Most Romantic Things to Do in the Cook Islands
- 10 Best Honeymoon Packages in the Cook Islands
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Cook Islands.
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.