Aitutaki (Aye-too-tah-ki) is an island in the Southern Cook Islands. Aitutaki lagoon and its islands are breathtakingly beautiful. The classic picture postcard of small palm tree fringed tropical island, with shallow, warm turquoise waters, corals, tropical fish and blue skies is taken here. The lagoon is large, taking about an hour to cross in a boat.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
It is a 50-minute flight from the main island of Rarotonga. Tourism facilities are well developed, but still low key enough not to intrude on the nature of the island, which had about 1,800 residents in 2021. Official tourism website The larger island is split into different villages. Vaipae and Tau'tu are the largest and are on the south east side of the island. Arutanga is often referred to as town and is on the south west side of the island. It has a center area for shopping, the Telecom Office (also the Post Office), the Bank of the Cook Islands and the wharf.
Akaiami is a small, elongated islet at the opposite end of the lagoon from Aitutaki's main island. A boat ride of approximately 20 minutes communicates both island. In 2006, there was only one inhabitant to the island (Pare), whose family owned the island and ran a small lodge. Akaiami offers little in terms of entertainment, other than hiking, fishing, swimming and kayaking. Its remote location, far from tourists and technology, is the real asset of this small charming island. Akaiami is essentially a fairly remote, quiet, charming, unspoiled islet surrounded by a pristine turquoise lagoon and a coral reef. Car and scooter hire are the main forms of transport on Aitutaki.
One Foot Island is a must-see with blue lagoons and white sandy beach. There is a post office (box), one of the most remote in the world. There are beaches for swimming, and you can walk around the island. Best snorkelling seems to be around the island past the rock ledge, towards the reef. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa located on its own private island Akitua, which is directly on the lagoon, offering the best views from the Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill. Day passes available for visitors not staying at the resort that allow access to water sports equipment, activities, beaches, bars, restaurant and Spa Polynesia.
Aitutaki Golf Club. The island's 9-hole golf course. Bookable via hotels. Clubs for rental around $10 and green fees around $10. Scuba diving Bubbles Below, ☏ +682 31537, fax: +682 31537, bubblesbelow@aitutaki.net.ck. Aitutaki Scuba Diving, ☏ +682 31103, fax: +682 31310, scuba@aitutaki.net.ck. Fishing (either game fishing or fly fishing inside the lagoon). There is a game fishing area by the wharf in Arutanga where the public can compete in fishing contests. Explore the island - rent a bicycle, scooter, or car and drive around the island. Don't be in a rush though as it won't take you long to get around it. Of course the beach is also beckoning and the water is beautiful.
Try the island's Ike mata (raw tuna) with coconut milk. It is delicious! And Poke a Cook Island Banana pudding which usually comes baked in the Earth oven or "Umu" Try not to eat snapper as they may give you ciguatera. Reservations for dinner are a good idea on Aiutaki, as periodically the more popular restaurants will book up during tourist peak periods. The Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa has views of Aitutaki Lagoon and offers Pacific cuisine between 11AM and 9PM. The Bounty Brasserie offers casual dining and regular live entertainment.
The Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill at The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa offers the best views of the fabled Aitutaki Lagoon as it is located directly on the lagoon on the private island of "Akituta". Enjoy a tropical cocktail as the sun goes down. Pacific or Islands Nights are also a good option to experience while you are in the Cook Islands. Islands nights usually involve either a buffet or a la carte menu and an island dancing show for a set price. Most island nights will also include a string band before the show as well.
It will be a challenge, if not virtually impossible, to get into trouble in Aitutaki. Water is filtered but not UV treated, so you may want to drink bottled water while on the island. There are several water stations with safe filtered water, and a tap for filling bottles for free, such as next to the market in town and opposite the Amuri sports field. There are mosquitoes on the island, but there is no malaria. There are venomous stonefish in the lagoon, so wear reef shoes when exploring the reef. There are two doctors, both based at Aitutaki Hospital.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Aitutaki typically sees ~25°C daytime highs and 5 rainy days.
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