Imagine 15 tiny islands spreading over 2.5 million square kilometres in the Pacific Ocean. All together represent the Cook Islands.
One of them, and decidedly the most beautiful island, is Aitutaki.
Picturing the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, Aitutaki is located approximately 3’200 kilometres east of New Zealand, 1’100 kilometres west of Tahiti, and 4’600 kilometres south of Hawaii.
And on Aitutaki, right on the beach where sunsets are breathtaking, is Etu Moana, a luxury Cook Island Boutique Hotel.
Aitutaki is a little paradise, affectionately known as “small slice of heaven”. It is home to approximately 1800 people and arguably the world’s most wonderful lagoon of approximately 52 square kilometres (18.8580° S, 159.7853° W).
To see this turquoise, crystal clear lagoon with white sand bars and 15 green motus (islets) that fringe the surf-topped coral reef is truly a lifetime experience. Secluded and romantic, it holds a compelling allure for honeymooners. Protected and blessed by nature, the lagoon is a paradise for water sports and fishing, and host of international competitions.
The volcanic lush green island is tiny, approximately 18 square kilometres, and only 16 kilometres to circumnavigate. Quiet, palm-fringed roads connect eight little villages. The highest point of the Island is Maunga Pu (124 meter), from where you have a breath-taking bird’s eye view over the island and the turquoise lagoon. Walking on the beach at night is safe, and the starry sky with the Milky Way is overwhelming.
Life in Aitutaki moves at a wonderful relaxed tempo. Women still wear flowers in their hair, and you will sense that happiness is still alive.
There are no international direct flights to Aitutaki. We are far too remote.
However, it’s only a 45-minute flight from Rarotonga, where all international flights to the Cook Islands arrive. Air Rarotonga provides several flights per day between Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
Direct flights to Rarotonga are available from New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, and the United States with seamless domestic connections to Aitutaki, making our little paradise close to home yet a world away.
You’ll be enjoying the beach, and doing as little or as much as you like in no time! International flights to Rarotonga, the main hub of the Cook Islands, arrive from Auckland, Christchurch (from 26 May - October 2026), Sydney, Brisbane (from 18 May 2026), Honolulu, and Papeete with flights throughout the week.
Air New Zealand operates daily flights from Auckland, with up to three daily flights in peak season (June to October) some days. Afternoon flights provide same-day connections from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
Jetstar operate flights from Auckland on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Air New Zealand operates a seasonal direct service from Christchurch to Rarotonga from 26 May through October 2026, up to three times weekly. Flights operate on a Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Hawaiian & Alaskan Airlines offers a Honolulu-Rarotonga with the flight time is just under 6 hours.
Hawaiian Airlines is no stranger to the Cook Islands having serviced this very same route from 1987 to 1995. Experience a smooth connection between Honolulu to Rarotonga with a convenient weekly flight operated jointly by Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Thanks to their extensive combined network, you can easily connect to this South Pacific route from numerous gateways across the United States. Currently, the flight departs Honolulu on Saturday at 4:00 pm (arriving at 10:15 pm the same day), and returns from Rarotonga on Sunday at 1:00 pm (arriving at 7:15 pm the same day). Please note: From April 24, 2026, this service will permanently shift one day forward, departing Honolulu on Friday and returning from Rarotonga on Saturday at the same times.
Jetstar has a service Sydney-Rarotonga direct three to five times a week. Jetstar is delighted to advise that they will begin flying direct from Brisbane to Rarotonga, starting May 2026.
Jetstar flies direct in 6 hours from Sydney 4 days per week and Brisbane* 3 days per week (Brisbane flights start 18 May 2026). As Australian visitors cross the international date line and arrive early morning the same day, it is advisable to book accommodation from the night before, to ensure your room is ready for immediate occupancy upon arrival.
Alternatively, visitors from Australia can connect via Auckland with Jetstar and Air New Zealand. From June to October Air New Zealand operate some flights offering same day connection from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Jetstar flights leave Auckland mid-afternoon, allowing same day connection from some Australian cities. Auckland to Rarotonga flights are just under 4 hours.
Air Rarotonga & Air Tahiti Nui offers two to four weekly flights between US/Papete/Tahiti and Rarotonga.
Embark on an effortless journey from Los Angeles to Rarotonga with four weekly flights operated jointly by Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga. Thanks to their shared partnership, you can comfortably travel from the US mainland to the Cook Islands with a scheduled connection in Papeete. Because this service includes a transit stopover in Tahiti, it offers a fantastic opportunity to easily combine both the Cook Islands and the Islands of Tahiti into one unforgettable vacation.
Enjoy seamless travel between Papeete and Rarotonga with four weekly flights operated jointly by Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti. Thanks to their shared partnership, you can book your tickets for any of these days on either airline's website, regardless of which airline is flying the plane. Air Rarotonga operates the Wednesday and Sunday services, while Air Tahiti operates the Thursday and Saturday services. Flight time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The commencement dates for direct flights from Los Angeles are still to be announced.
For any further enquiries contact Cook Island Tourism on info@cookislands.travel
Use either Auckland or Los Angeles as gate to the Cook Islands. For details see above.