Capital: Avarua
Capital island
RarotongaCook Islands located in South Pacific, SE of Samoa; a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. It consists of 15 small islands and is comprised of two main groups, the Southern (or Lower) Cook islands ( Rarotonga , Mangaia, Atiu, Aitutaki, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Manuae and Te-Au-o-tu) and the Northern Cook islands (Nassau, Palmerston, Penrhyn, Manihiki , Rakahanga, Pukapuka, and Suwarrow). The islands were formerly called the Hervey Islands. The most popular of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga is also the capital of this independent nation which is strung across 770,000 square miles of the south pacific.Avarua on Rarotonga is the administrative center of the group. The Cook Islanders are Maoris, a branch of the Polynesian race.
It is a beautiful place, whose people are warm and gracious. The land is fertile, as are the seas, yielding black pearls and fish in abundance. An undeveloped paradise. Enjoy a colorful folkloric performance presented in your honor.
Six hour flight straight south of honolulu
Southern Group Aitutaki Atiu Mangaia
Manuae
Mauke
Mitiaro
Palmerston
Rarotonga-- the capital island
Takutea
Northern Group Manihiki
Nassau
Tongareva (Penrhyn) also known as Mangarongaro
Pukapuka
Rakahanga
Suwarrow
Distances from Rarotonga are:- Aitutaki 140 miles (225 k)
Mangaia 110 miles (177 k)
Mauke 150 miles (241 k)
Palmerston 270 miles (434 k)
Tongareva (Penrhyn) 737 miles 1185 k)
Pukapuka 715 miles (1150 k)
Destination Guide