Came for an early dinner and drinks with a group of 8 (around 430pm) sat outside on the deck next to the bar. No reservation made though noted when we were leaving outdoor area was packed. Ordered pizzas and island fries. Pizzas ok, standout was the cheeseburger pizza. Sashimi pizza was different. Island chips incredibly dry. Drinks reasonably priced. Fella behind the bar not overly friendly/engaging. Super chilled laid back casual place otherwise. Managed to spot some whales swimming by too! Plenty of parking.

What to eat??!! Everything looked so good! I got the small cheeseburger pizza, and it was delicious! Choice of seating, undercover or in the open.Butbyou may need to wait yo get a bit of shade, the weather was so nice, but shade was needed!. Service was good. Worth going, I doubt you would be disappointed.

Awesome bar/restaurant right on the water. Staff are so lovley and friendly, cocktails were delicious. Food was amazing Tuna Poke bowl (as pictured) was so delicious and fresh and massive portions I couldn't finish it as much as I wanted too 😅

Beautiful place with really nice food. We didn't reserve a table, however we where there just before the kitchen opened and they sat us straight away. Highly recommend the shrimp cocktail, burger, pizza, nasi goreng, and they had a spicy special available which my son loved. Staff are so lovely and friendly and we had great views aswell

Excellent food, awesome customer service & great atmosphere. We tried a few dishes & they were all great. Didnt have to wait long for our meals. The Ika Mata was soo good we ordered this 3 times. The Tuna Poke bowl - tick, Thai Chicken Pizza - tick, & Mongolian sizzling plate - tick. Also had the Fish Tacos which was good also. Would definitely come back here again if we return to Rarotonga.

Fantastic atmosphere, great views, attentive service and good food. Tried the smoked marlin mornay which had a nice flavour. Seafood chowder was good too. Staff were really efficient. There was live music on too which really added to ambience.

My absolute favourite spot to eat in Rarotonga. Been many times over the years. This time I had the chili linguine and it was so good I had to go back and have it again.

Beautiful place on the beach with stunning sunsets, and a wide inviting lawn for children to run around on. The service was great and we really enjoyed our two dinners there. Unfortunately the food is a bit inconsistent - I loved my good old fish n chips, but didn’t really like the seared tuna which was just too cold in the centre - raw is good but fridge-cold is not. Cocktails were great, desserts so-so. Very good live music.

Fine dining, dress smart casual/men can wear shorts and a nice shirt. Service is excellent and the food very yummy. Price wise a bit expensive for what you got. Was a nice evening out. Hubby had Lamb-shanks and I got the Butterfly fish.

Best meal we had on the island. We went for dinner and got a lovely sunset, yummy cocktails, and beautiful food. Great staff too. Highly recommend!

Had the most wonderful experience at Tamarind House Restaurant. Last night on the island and our mael was most memorable. We chose a table outside and witnessed a magical sunset. Our waiter was an absolute gem, saw to our every need and more. Brought us cushions for our seat and a cute little light for our table as it got darker.

Great location, food and service. Beautiful decor and layout of the main restaurant area. Food was the best we’ve had on the island. The lamb and beef was cooked to perfection (as per our request). Food price is on the upper end, but you’re paying for quality, premium service and an outstanding view. Have recommended this to the rest of our traveling group and would recommend it to all those who visit Rarotonga. We will return!

An absolute gem in Rarotonga. We went twice on our last trip. Beautiful atmosphere and divine food. Breathtaking setting.

Great food and service excellent location and well presented decor. Outside the lawn and garden are picturesque with plenty of spots to get photo's

Wonderful spot! We had such a lovely dinner here - get a table outside and you’re right on the most beautiful beach. Good cocktails and I had a delicious and huge creamy seafood pasta. Lovely staff too.

Vaima makes the best cocktails on the island - the Pina Colada is heaven sitting out on the tables watching the sunset is what the CI is all about. The staff are super friendly and helpful. Beware - it’s windy so come prepared.

Delicious seafood curry and pan fried scallops! Very fresh and well cooked :) The staff was also very friendly. The owners are however retiring and selling the business. Hope the new owner retains the chef and staff!

Vaima Restaurant and Bar is a true island gem! We enjoyed amazing prawn appetizers right on the beach with stunning sunset views and the sound of the waves. The food was fresh and flavorful especially the seafood and the cocktails were perfect. The staff were warm, attentive, and made us feel so welcome. A perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxing evening by the ocean. And the owner was very accomadating helping us to find a rare 3dollar Cook island note. 🌅🍹🍴

Absolutely delicious food fantastic location. It was by far the best dinner we had on the island. Would and do highly recommend visiting for dinner.

We showed up about 5:30-6pm without a reservation in hopes we could be served. The lovely team were happy to accommodate and gave us a beachfront table so we could watch the sunset. Amazing service! So quick with drinks and meals. Was delicious.

From the outside, Vaima has a very subdued setting, but don't let first appearances put you off. Step through the door and you are greeted warmly by the wonderful staff. Despite not having a reservation, we were made to feel very welcome. A table for two was available, and we were moved to a table set right on the beach. Sandals off and a feet in the sand experience. The usual favorites are on the cocktail list, as well as a great selection of mocktails as well. My wife had her usual virgin monitor, and closely followed by a second, as it was so refreshing. I went for a classic Mai Tai, and it was a beautifully mixed drink. Highly recommended. Beers, wines and spirits also available. My wife went for the Ika Mata as her main, which she enjoyed. I chose the Beef Wellington, prepared 'island' style using local spinach, or rakau, as well as other seasoning within the pastry. The beef was perfect, and the sides were a great complement. The red wine jus that accompanied the meal was tart and flavourful, just the right blend with the meat and pastry. Delicious. The dessert menu has all the usual selections, but in deference to doctors orders, I chose not to partake. As wonderful as all that was, and it was, I suggest you get to the venue around 45 minutes before sunset, and if the weather is on your side, as it was for us, you will be blessed with an incredible sunset as you dine. Fantastic food, wonderful drinks, beautiful staff and a location that will make for a memorable evening, Vaima is certainly a must do while visiting Rarotonga.

Charlie’s was always one of my favourite spots to eat when in Raro. Unfortunately the steak sandwich did let them down this time, it’s a lot smaller than what it was. Still tasted great. The atmosphere is still on point with the amazing views to the ocean.

Charlie’s Raro is a fantastic spot, perfectly located right on the beach. We stopped by for lunch and tried a variety of dishes — the fish burger, fish tacos, fish sandwich, smash burger, and the sashi mata (a delicious fusion of ika mata and sashimi). Every dish was fresh and flavorful. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, with stunning beach views adding to the experience. A definite must-visit for great food in a beautiful setting!

We had a lovely dinner out at Charlie's. Great escape from the monotonous menu at our accommodation. Unfortunately we were seated outside in the marquee which sheltered us from the wind but left us open to getting bitten! Cocktails and seafood were delish though and everything came out super fast considering how busy it was.

Great location, right on the water with the bus stop out the front. Reasonably priced for cook island. Food was average. Fish burgers was pink in parts, bun was spongy. Salt n pepper squid was a small portion but tasted nice. Mia tai was very pulpy but I guess being on an island they work with what they have.

We have come back again after 5 years to find the food is still as good as it was when we lived over the road from them. The view is great and you can’t beat that perfect dinner on the beach sunset photo. The smashed burger and seared tuna with a side of ika Mata washed down with the local brew is tops.

This was a great spot for dinner. Booking a table is recommended but not essential. Food was fantastic and so fast. The shared seafood platter looked amazing, my tuna steak was chefs kiss! Live music was a good vibe if not a little too loud for dinner conversation....or maybe if the music's too loud, you're too old 🤣

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 An absolute must-stop for lunch in Rarotonga! We had the Ika Mata and sashimi – both were incredibly fresh and bursting with flavour. The views are unbeatable, the vibe is relaxed and welcoming, and the live music just took it to the next level. A top-notch experience all around. Can’t wait to come back!

Enjoyed the fish of the day, Marlin served with Grilled banana and a papaya salsa/salad. It was delicious. The service was lovely.

Great service, all the people there were so friendly and helpful explaining the dishes for us. Food was delicious, I had scallops, passionfruit cheesecake and the best hot chocolate. Will definitely be back next trip.

Good food, prices and location. Unfortunately we only had one meal here due to our limited time but would have happily made multiple visits. Next time! Visit date: September 2025

Absolutely lovely. Ordered the HUGE fish curry; it was the best yellow curry I have had ever (NZ included). It’s spicy yet with the additional sides it enhanced the flavour to a slight sweet. Hubby, my mom and I enjoyed it throughly. Superb flavours! Kids had the pan fried fish with chips, good portions. The banana and chocolate bread butter pudding was YUMMMMYY, shared it with my daughter and she loved every bit. The servers were so fun, attentive and personable. They asked our names and was addressed by our names on every encounter. Thank you so much! We enjoyed our meal! (Family of 9) - Robyn, Chad, Zipporah, Azariah, Steve & Velena.

Great spot for food, owners are both really lovely and great hosts ! The desserts were really something, definitely recommend !

My fiancé and I just had a wonderful dinner at Kikau Hut :) From the warm friendly service, generous sized portions (entrees/mains) and the cute tropical atmosphere was a lovely evening worthwhile! Thank you so much for tonight guys, we would recommend and come back again. Meitaki, Cheran & Sam :)

Really enjoyed the atmosphere here at the restaurant. Super delicious pan fried fish. Just issues about the steak ($42 from memory). We wanted it medium cooked but it was over cooked and also a bit salty. I mentioned it while paying for the bill and got a response of "do you reckon it".

Nothing short of amazing. The steak was cooked to perfection. The carbonara was yum and so was the gnocchi. The thick crust pizza was one of the best we tasted on the island. The drinks were stunning with competitive pricing. Nights are busy so a booking is necessary.

Definitely worth the visit! Amazing food, really good portion size. Helpful and friendly staff. If we had more time, I would be back to try other dishes.

Great meal. We had a early dinner at 5:30 and we were they only one there and was fast service. Get busy around 6:30. HUGE portions so had leftovers the next day. Make it fun when they give you crayons to draw on the table. Makes it fun and sociable.

This place was booked everyday but I managed to get a table. Service is a bit slow but we are on island time.. so ok. That said staff is polite and nice. Restaurant atmosphere is ok. I had a sallad with beef and it was ok. The beef was a little chewy but still was acceptable. Ordered a pizza and it was made on prefabricated pizza dough. Not ok for a place like this that would like to call them self an Italian restaurant.

If there was an option for negative stars, this place would be my first nomination. Tried to book a table and was told they were fully booked. Walked in anyway and found the place almost empty—apparently, the tables were booked for ghosts. Ordered two pizzas and lasagnas (close to $100), and when I asked for a plastic fork and knife, they tried to charge me extra. Seriously? After spending that much, they couldn’t part with a $0.02 utensil. To top it off, I had to use my international card, which meant paying an extra percentage plus my bank’s commission—so that fork would’ve been the most expensive piece of plastic I ever owned. Asked for straws—none available. I guess that’s considered luxury dining here. And the food? Let’s just say I’ve never been to jail, but I’m confident the pizzas and lasagnas there are an upgrade. Would not recommend—unless you’re into empty restaurants, overpriced forks, and prison cuisine.

So handy when staying at the Edgewater. Went.once for dine in and the food was delicious. We got takeaways the second time as the restaurant was full. Recommend reservations as its always busy.

Absolute gem this place! Visited twice during our time on the island. The food is so good and you won’t regret it. Must pre book as always fully booked but often walk ins from 7:30pm might be ok!

Been here several times, never disappointed. The rooster is strutting around, like he owns the place, is a charm! Always tried different dishes — all mouthwatering and simply delicious!

Stopped in for breakfast. Yummy I had the Granola and hubby had an Omelet. Yummy and Delicious. Great chefs twins Tino and Vani. Were busy but didn't have to wait long. A great place to get out of the Rarotongan heat and sun for a wee while, and find a cooler place to enjoy a calm spot to eat

Great place. Amazing food, super friendly staff. Came here with two kids, a grandparent and several adults. The staff were funny and friendly and the food was excellent. The coffee was strong and well worth the second cup! Totally recommend coming here for a relaxed and super meal.

We ordered steak sandwiches & waited an hour for our food only to see that the server must’ve misheard us as we received steak and eggs - by that point we were hungry and over it. Food was average, cost definitely wasn’t worth the wait.

Nice little food stop near the waterfront not far from the airport. We took the clockwise bus around the island and stopped at the final bus stop. Ate lunch before heading back to our resort. The Lucky Rooster was busy, but we were able to get a seat. Our server took our order and promptly brought us our drinks. We were able to watch the kitchen staff as they were busy and they were hustling to get orders out. The other thing I noticed was the cook staff seemed to enjoy their work, smiling and having good conversation with their coworkers. Our food came out fairly quickly even though they were busy. We split the two orders between us and there was plenty of food. We were full when we left. They serve breakfast all day which was what we ate.

This is one of my favourite places for breakfast, even on Market day, we go here first. The food is beautiful, really tasty and interesting menu and the staff are all so genuinely happy in their jobs. I highly recommend them. Super handy to the chemist and big clothing shop too. Don't miss the lovely courtyard area out the back.

Perfect place to eat any time. The fish sandwich was absolutely delicious and all the staff were lovely. #luckyrooster

DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU! Beautiful resort, couldn’t land the dismount. My child and I enjoyed our stay with a lovely room and attentive staff. Unfortunately, upon checkout I was informed we hadn’t used the $250 dining and bar credit. Sadly, no one told me when I booked a fifth night shortly before arrival that we earned the credit. Since we had a late flight I asked if we could use it that day. The answer—only before the 10:00 am checkout. As tempting as it was to see if I could consume that much alcohol in 90 minutes (we had just finished breakfast), someone had to drive the rental car back to the airport. 😢

My kids had absolute blast at your resort. From the location to food to service. At entrance, you guys get kids to feed fishes, I think that itself was my kids core memories. The resort is next to night market, Tamas, koka lagoon so it's just too perfect especially for people who are not super comfortable with swimming as some of my friends were.

I went to this resort to have a manicure with Sandy. She was so friendly and did a wonderful job of my nails. The beauty salon was so relaxing and a lovely environment too. Thanks so much Sandy.

I have regularly attended the Pacific Resort for Beautician Services for a number of years. I have always found Maryanne very professional, and courteous. I always depart feeling wonderful after her treatments. It is with much appreciation and joy that I recommend Maryanne for this Award. Kind regards Jolene Bosanquet Perminent Resident of Rarotonga

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Perfection! Out of a casual walk on a beach, this great place emerges and we’re readily welcomed in by them: people of the best quality you can imagine ready to make your special occasion their mission. The drinks (long island ice tea, coconut drink and piña colada) were delicious but might feel slightly “unfueling” for some - as an answer to that, ask for one extra strong and that’ll be a killer but still nice. As we were there just for drinks, and on Sundays it requires that you have at least a little something, we had simply the most wonderful Ika Mata, a delicious and traditional fish ceviche with coconut milk and spices that would blow your mind with its freshness. All and all, a place where you could bring your family on a weekend lunch or your partner on a special occasion - leaving it in their hands will be a service well done! Delivery with quality, beauty and personal care. Special thanks to Triza, When and Troy for all the help and kindness through our night🙏🏻 Thanks guys! Simply pristinely the best😻🥰❤️

I went to barefoot bar, as online shows you dine in the sand. Had to get directions multiple times to find it, has not been sand dining for 5 years, my order was upside (which was not to my taste, leaving most of it behind) when pointed out billing no correction was offered for over charge

Had ro go back for dinner again. Loved the Chef's Signature dish. We were well looked after by the waiters and waitresses who knew the details about the menu, polite, professional and hospitable.

We popped in for cocktails one afternoon (they have happy hour!) and also dinner. Wonderful location (right on the beach overlooking the lagoon), great service and a very high standard of food. It was lovely to spend time here, even though we didn’t stay here. Raul, the manager & his staff were wonderfully attentive and friendly. You can see why people get married here too as it’s a beautiful venue with the decor so thoughtful & considered. We saw one wedding and it was beautifully set up and wedding party looked overjoyed. A marvellous place to pop in and have a more high end experience. Relatively quiet and chilled, just perfect for what we wanted. Will definitely consider staying here next time, we got to look at one of the villas and they looked divine. Huge bathroom & main room, 4 poster bed & personal plunge pool and sunbathing area too. In the main shared area the infinity pool looked so inviting with views across the lagoon. Paradise found!

We didn’t stay at the resort but we ate at the restaurant. The food was incredible, the atmosphere was beautiful, the service was impeccable. We arrived around 6 and watched the sunset from our table. The kids food arrived first, allowing them to munch while we waited for our food. The price is very reasonable for the quality of food and atmosphere. Thank you, Nautilus, for such an enjoyable dining experience!

We had a wonderful time here and really didn’t want to leave. Our garden Are was very spacious and only a short walk from the pool and restaurant. The whole place was very quiet and the staff were lovely. Our only small gripe was over some of the food. Couldn’t fault the breakfast but lunch and evening food in the dining room were a bit disappointing. I paid $40 for the fish and it was overcooked and dry. I also ordered a paw paw salad with chicken for lunch which tasted great but the portion was very small and given the price ($30), I felt it was extremely overpriced! That said, we would love to come back as it really is paradise.

We came for dinner here recently, to celebrate our anniversary. We ordered the sourdough bread, I ordered the Catch of the Day, and my husband ordered the Black Angus beef. My fish was undercooked, and the accompanying roasted vegetables were way overcooked. The beef was good but portions were small to the point that he had dessert, which he almost never does. We both ordered the Pina Colada cheesecake, but were served a mango cheesecake with no explanation. Delicious but disappointing. Service was fine. Although I mentioned it was our anniversary when I booked online, nothing was said. We thought for the size of the portions, prices were high and there are lots of other restaurants to try next time.

We went for a beach side bungalow with pool, and it was amazing. Great location and very friendly staff. (Plus it’s a five minute walk from the Muir night markets which was a great way to grab dinner a couple times a week.) we would definitely stay here again.

We came to have lunch with my family. We specifically chose to come here for lunch due to the pool and its location next to the restaurant, as it meant we could enjoy lunch while our two kids played in the pool. Unfortunately, the staff, who were lovely, said the pool (due to management rules) could not be used by the kids since we were not staying at the resort. I would understand if the accommodation was fully booked or even the pool area was busy, but for the entire time we were there, not a soul used the pool. I won’t be coming back, as I think the rule is absolutely redundant and I would rather spend my money on a place that was more accommodating to its daytime guests.

We had high hopes for our visit, but unfortunately, the service wasn’t what we expected. Our waitress seemed overwhelmed and left us waiting quite a while just to place our order. It felt like we were being overlooked, especially when we saw the other server—the lady with long hair—being so attentive to her tables. She even came over and kindly asked if we were okay because she noticed we didn’t seem happy. Maybe it was just a matter of station assignments and timing, but it did affect our overall experience. We hope this can be improved for future guests.

My partner and I spent 8 days in a beach front bungalow and we couldn't have asked for anything more. Our stay was perfect. The room was lovely and had everything we needed. The amenities were clean, modern and well maintained. The view from our bed was nothing short of spectacular! The lagoon was only a few steps from our front door and SUPS, kayaks, flippers, life jackets were all easily accessible and free of charge. A nice touch was the inclusion of our own personal snorkelling and goggles I the room. Snorkelling in the lagoon was safe, easy and quite spectacular! We dined in the restaurant for most meals. The food was delicious - you must try the Ika Mata and the Ruby Rare Tuna!!! April, Kristine, Tomasi, Jay, Miri and the team in the restaurant made us feel so welcome, greeting us by name and posing for photos! The continental breakfast was lovely, especially when topped up with something from the menu! Overall, our stay was amazing - we would highly recommend!!

We came for breakfast and were disappointed. The venue is stunning however food and service was a let down. We aren’t guest at the resort, but are staying a couple of door up. We ordered 3 dishes and it took over 40 mins to come out. Tables around us that were in-house guest who ordered after us had their food come out way before us. When the food came out it was cold and the coconut waffles were burnt. Not a lot of variety in the menu as well. Would not recommend.

One of the best resorts on the island! Rooms and food are amazing. The service in the restaurant is a little slow sometimes and could explain a little more to the new guest. Still a high level though. Would come back !

Didn’t stay here but just used the restaurant. We selected it to celebrate our 25th anniversary. The whole meal was simply delicious and superbly presented. The restaurant overlooks the pool and is surrounded by luscious planting, with secluded seating areas ideal for an intimate dining experience. Will consider staying here next time.

Beautiful resort, beachfront. A little close to the road. Not a lot to do in the immediate area. Very nice restaurant meals but cool breeze as it's an open area. Better for couples/honeymooners than solo. For the price, did not cater for dairy free options at breakfast which was disappointing.... expensive compared to their sister resort

Stunning accommodation and meals. Have been here a week and it is an amazing place. Great room, access to lagoon, beautiful attentive and warm service from staff. It doesn’t get better than this! Very highly recommended.

We couldn’t recommend little Polynesian resort any more than a five star review. The grounds are fantastic with beautiful swimming pool and great access to the pristine Beach. Staff were fantastic and available to all our requests would stay here again.

Rarotonga International Airport serves as the main gateway to the stunning Cook Islands. Despite its small size, the airport efficiently handles both domestic and international flights, connecting travelers to destinations around the world. The airport's open-air design and tropical landscaping immediately immerse visitors in the laid-back island atmosphere. Facilities include duty-free shops, cafes, and car rental services, catering to the needs of passengers. The friendly staff exude warmth and hospitality, providing a welcoming introduction to the Cook Islands. While the airport may lack the amenities of larger international hubs, its charm and efficiency make it a pleasant and convenient starting point for exploring the paradise that is Rarotonga.

Nice airport, great team of people working there. Friendly welcome on arrival. Good signage around the area to find what you need.

Chill little airport easy to get through, friendly vibes, perfect start to island life.

The lady at the baggage drop-off, named Moya Healy (981), was unhelpful and hostile. She wanted us to check in our hand luggage, in which we had quite a few electronic devices. She stated that our bag didn’t fit the requirements (we had flown into Rarotonga with the same bag). We checked the measurements on our tickets, and they were completely different from the ones presented by the lady. We even offered to place the bag in our leg room, but she was unwilling to help us. She went to check with her manager, and suddenly the weight of the bag was also a problem. When we said that we could move the extra 2kg into another bag and began repacking, she accused us of lying about the contents, claiming we had said the bag contained only electronics (which we never stated). She then labeled us as “uncooperative” and said that she would “assist us” by not allowing us to board the airplane. Her actions and accusations were completely unprofessional and unacceptable. The whole situation made our trip unpleasant. Fortunately, the staff on board were kind and the flight went smoothly. As a traveler to such a faraway country, I would expect better.

A pretty small airport hence the off loading of passengers on the tarmac! I didn't really understand why NZ citizens and residents had to be in a different queue. The immigration queue in arrivals was SO slow moving and there is basically no air conditioning in the building. Duty free is quite little and there are two stores to choose from. Duty free prices were great though (cash and card accepted). The departure area is separate to the check-in area which I found confusing as there wasn't great signage or much direction from the airline staff as to where to go after checking in. There are about 5 small stores at the departure lounge that sells a small range of duty free. Food and drink wise, there is only a small café and I don't think they sold alcohol. There really needs to be more food options. I was looking for a beach towel and managed to find it in the surf store so was pleased about that. The entertainment was stellar.

For Outer Island Trips, Baggage Lockers available in the public area just outside the Terminal.

We were so lucky to be helped by Isabelle during a very stressful situation. Due to a paperwork error on our end, we found ourselves in a bit of a tricky situation but Isabelle went absolutely above and beyond to support us. She was incredibly friendly, patient, and kind throughout the whole process. Her calm and reassuring manner made such a difference, and we felt she truly cared. Isabelle took the time to guide us through every step and made a difficult situation so much more manageable.We are so grateful for her professionalism and empathy. Darren and Caoimhe