Rarotonga exists between two co-existing but contrasting planes - on the one hand, Rarotonga is the bustling center of life for the Cook Islands, the main hub of a sparsely populated island chain anchored in the middle of a vast nowhere. Yet, despite its hustle and bustle, Rarotonga's total population only barely tops 15,000, a number nearly identical to the small hometown that I grew up in.
For travelers, that means that despite the supposed jostle of a happening place, there still exists the tranquility and peace that many island visitors are looking for. And with just the right amount of life to keep things interesting, Rarotonga offers a glimpse into what many consider the best of both worlds: peace and serenity coupled with energy and excitement.
Coming in for landing!
The beautiful turquoise waters of Muri Lagoon.
Arrival: May 10th, 2015
Location: Rarotonga International Airport (RAR)
Lodging: Muri Beachcomber Resort
Ben and I only had two nights and one whole day to spend on Rarotonga before we were to fly to Aitutaki.
We opted to stay the two nights on Muri Lagoon, Rarotonga's most coveted beachfront location, with glistening, clear turquoise water and palm covered islets beckoning off in the very near distance.
We also decided to forgo a trip out on the lagoon instead to drive around the island in a rented car. That allowed us to circumnavigate the island, making pit stops at the Matutu Brewery, check out some of the sights in the main town of Avarua, and get a brief but general feel for the island.
