Hop on a 45 minute plane ride North of Rarotonga and you arrive in the famous Aitutaki. Known as a Honeymoon Island, this lagoon is much more than that.
The second most visited Island after Rarotonga, Aitutaki has 15 islands in an “almost atoll.” Having more healthy reefs than the mainland, it is most known for its lagoon. Named “The Most Beautiful Lagoon in the World” by Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler, any traveler to the Cook Islands needs to spend some time here.
Most people opt for the Air Rarotonga Day Trip to Aitutaki which includes the Vaka Cruise. Although this is an amazing tour that I highly recommend, I do feel you need at least 2 days to fully enjoy what this Lagoon has to offer.
Other activities include climbing Piraki Lookout, which is the highest point on the on the Island. You can tackle it from 2 sides to get amazing 360 degrees of the Lagoon.
The best way to see the Island is via bikes. Most hotels or resorts have these on site or will help you rent them. Aitutaki is very bike friendly and there are heaps of things to see including:
- Local fruits & veggies
- Colorful buildings and stores
- Local livestock
Ika Mata
- Off the Beaten Track Cafes & Restaurants with Amazing Fresh & Local Food
When we arrived at the airport we were given fresh leis and taken right to our resort. We stayed at Tamanu Beach Resort and this was by far one of the best beaches on the Island.
We had a one bedroom which came with a living room, covered deck with sun bed and indoor & outdoor shower!
Another popular place to stay is Aitutaki Private Island Resort. This resort is on one of the 15 islands and includes bikes. It is the only place in the Cook Islands to offer ‘Over The Water Bungalows!’ It is a bit far from the main part of the Island, but it is very close to the airport & where the Vaka Cruise starts and ends.
Resort Ferry 
Sunset looking West to the Mainland 
Dropping guests off via the Vaka Cruise
One of the most popular, and most expensive places, on the Island is Pacific Resort Aitutaki. A 5 Star resort with a restaurant and bar, they do allow guests from other hotels but you will need reservations. This was about a 15 minute walk along the beach from Tamanu.
Other places to eat include at all hotels & resort (reservations recommended, especially at the Pacific Resort, Private Lagoon Resort & Tamanu Beach), with other famous cafes such as The Boat Shed, Koru Cafe and Mouarii Cafe.
Overall, the best thing to do in Aitutaki is relax. Of course you can snorkel, kayak and paddle board, but this really is paradise with very limited wifi. Grab a cold coconut, a book, and lounge under a palm tree! We can’t wait to get back!!
TIP: To keep this paradise alive, be conscious of what your bring along and what products you use. Be sure to use Reef Safe Sunscreen!