Cook Islands Hostels

I lived there for eighteen months and love the place. The lagoons in Muri and Titikaveka are a little polluted but are still by far the most beautiful place on the island. I would recommend staying there above anywhere else. The snorkeling and swimming around that area is fine. There are particular species of fish you can't eat, just check with the locals first. I love Rarotonga -- I am very well traveled and would have to say it is my favourite place on Earth.

Rarotonga … The most idylic tropical islands I have visited so far. Minimal commercial tourism especially if you can get off the main island to some of the smaller islands like Atiu and Mauke. Great for snorkling, diving, kayaking, or just relaxing on powder white sand beaches. Friendly islanders are always ready to share a laugh and greet you with a smile. Hostel and budget rooms are very affordable, but the price of food is rather high since most of it is shipped in from New Zealand and further abroad.

Rarotonga … Vistors should avoid the beaches around Muri and Titikaveka as they are badly polluted.

Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … I stayed with two friends at Ariana for four weeks in 2005. My first thought about our bungalow was "oh my god," but after a few days we loved our small "home far away from home." and Ronnie and Ian did everything to make our stay unforgettable. Especially the pool is superb!

Backpackers International Hostel in Rarotonga … this is the best place to stay in raro, i stayed there for eight days and it was the best eight days ever. they helped me save so much money by asking around for the best dive course. and as for people saying it was dirty, they are chatting marbles. tesa was funny, helpful, and always joked about everything. whenever we wanted to go on a night out they had a bus for us and they picked us up. not many hostels on the island do that. there is a brilliant mix of people staying there -- mind you if you are snobby and can't leave your little circle of friend to integrate with fellow travellers then this place aint for you. i had a brilliant time, and i would recommend it to anyone. it's like a home away from home in the sense you know they will help you if all goes pear shaped. and it is cheap as chips, so dont listen to all the negative crap.

Vara's Beach House in Rarotonga … Vara's is a great place to end your world trip, its amazing, sand is so white, the sea is so blue. Vara is clean, right on the beach, has small dorms and apartments on suite if you want to be on your own. There is so much to do here -- walks though the island, waterfalls, the best sunset i ever saw and bar for the night life of backpackers and locals. I would go back tomorrow.

Backpackers International Hostel in Rarotonga … I had the time of my life here. There were so many things to do and it was so easy to get to know everyone. A lot of the people I met here I ended up seeing during the rest of my travels. The location is great, the staff were really helpful, always advising me on the best way to do things without hurting the pocketbook too much. Everything was so organized, like the kitchen, I was just so impressed. I've recommended it to everyone that loves to have fun. I'm already planning my return trip.

Rarotonga Backpackers in Rarotonga … This place is excellent. It's really clean and it has a pool, which is a nice touch! I would definitely stay here again. The owners were really nice and their home brew wasn't bad, either.

Backpackers International Hostel in Rarotonga … The entire hostel was cleaned daily. Really easy to socialise with everyone and the staff are great. They had loads of fun things to do, so your never got bored. Ali's optional meals were delicious, inexpensive, and a godsend if you just couldn't be bothered to do it yourself. I'm definitely coming back and recommend this to any traveler that likes a fun, laid back atmosphere.

Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … Cracking atmosphere here. Ronnie and Ian went out of their way to make our stay a great one.

Ariana Bungalows & Hostel in Rarotonga … We stayed at Ariana Bungalows just over a year ago. We got married on the Island and Ronnie was fabulous. Ronnie told us that it wasn't the Hilton, but in it's way -- Ariana is more than that because it gets into your heart -- there is certainly something special here and I will always be greatful to Ronnie and Ian for all there help and making our stay the best holiday we've ever had!

Tiare Village in Rarotonga … The friendliest and best hostel in Rarotonga! I checked out three others but none matched the freedom and friendliness at Tiare Village. Very clean, walking distance to town, and you can rent a scooter and snorkeling gear from there. The fruit trees provided an excellent breakfast every morning. I highly recommend this place!

Tiare Village in Rarotonga … These guys were great. They provided excellent, friendly service. The rates are reasonable and the place was spotless. All in all, it was a great place to stay, especially with the luxury of a pool.