Rarotonga is often said to be "like Hawaii was 50 years ago" and I would have to say that that statement is probably true. There are no high-rises, not even a stoplight anywhere on the island. The pace is slow and laid-back ... perhaps too laid back for many - not much in the way of parties or nightclubs there. It's a good place for a family vacation (in my opinion), with very safe water conditions - mainly due to the lagoon that encircles the island. The result is an aquatic envirnnment rather like an enormous salt-water swimming pool stocked with tropical fish. The water tends to be shallow for a long way out, and very calm and clear - perfect conditions for wading, swimming and snorkeling, but not good for things like surfing.

We didn't see much in the way of children there (or much of anyone for that matter) but I'm sure they must be there somewhere.

Well worth the extra flight time in my opinion (even worth the extra cost of the longer flight).

Ken

PS: Photos of the Cooks -

http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor

PS2: Cook Islanders are often considered the finest dancers in all of Polynesia.

Whether it is worth it or not depends on what you are after. If you want to have island scenery but still feel like you're in America then Hawaii is still where you want to be. It's very Americanized and is not at all like the other islands in that respect. In the Cooks you will be in a different country and culture. This is a good thing, I think you will enjoy it, but you also have to expect to be in the 3rd world and not an extension of America.

Dear Ken,

I am sold!!

I hope you do not mind if I email you with some specific questions.

Very Best Regards,

Gem

Dear Sneezy,

That sounds exactly like what we are looking for!!

Thank you,

Gem

Dear Ken and Sneezy,

I was just looking on Fodor's to what my first post was- and this is it.

Thank you for all your help way back then! Our Cook Islands trip had to percolate a while, but we finally have our trip booked for November.

Best wishes,
Gem

Gem, before you decide, let me sing my song. If you want Hawai'i the way it was 50 years ago, consider Kona Village Resort. I love it so much I did a website devoted to it, and with 265 pictures it'll tell you everything you have to know to decide if it's for you. (A friend who had just returned from Tahiti tried it and said, "It's just like Tahiti without the plane trip!") Have a look: www.davidskvr.net.
David

Gem,
You cannot go wrong in the Cook Islands, one of our most favorite places on Earth. If you can find the time and money, consider a trip to Aitutaki, one of the most beautiful islands you will ever see. If Rarotonga is Hawai'i as it looked 50 years ago, then Aitutaki is Bora Bora as it looked 30 years ago.

Al F.

Mumpsimus, Thank you for your suggestion. I am looking forward to viewing at your website. I have looked online at the Kona Village and it does look wonderful.

We have already booked out trip to Rarotonga and Aitutaki. We are excitedly counting the days! Thank you for your comments, ALF. It is great to read them. We will spend five nights on Rarotonga, six nights on Aitutaki and then a night a half back on Rarotonga! This is a trip of a life time for our family and we are so excited!

We have a travel show here in Oz called Getaway and Aitutaki is the all time favourite spot of one of the hosts - she raves about it and she's been just about everywhere.

Please give us a report when you're home again and give us your take on the Cook Islands.