wayne7639

I'm considering travelling to Cooks with wife and 2 year old daughter in April '08; we are not sure which island is better (Rarotonga or Aitutaki), however, we are interested in beach, cleanliness, rest&relaxation, and family friendliness accomodations; any suggestions on which island is better suited for us and hotel options (names or links)?
-Wayne

Louise

To really talk to an expert and get good opinions (besides here, of course) go to www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum - Australasia & Pacific. They have a resident expert "raro" named after the capital island I am sure. As to the question which island, I would spend some time on both if you can.

Diamantina

I am sorry that I cannot recommend a specific hotel for your family. On both of my visits to the Rarotonga I stayed at Sokala Villas, which does not accept children under 12 due to unfenced swimming pools. However, I would recommend that you stay on Muri Beach/Muri Lagoon as the waters here are very calm. You can also snorkel right in the lagoon. There are numerous accommodations on Muri Beach and I am sure you will find some good reviews on http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g...Vacations.html
as well as through Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree site Louise has mentioned.
Also, if you are traveling all the way to the Cooks, you should spend a few days on Aitutaki as well as in Rarotonga. Life is slow in Rarotonga, but even slower in Aitutaki! While you are on Aitutaki, make sure you make a day excursion to One Foot Island. If you are in Aitutaki on a Sunday, try to make it to church services--this is a wonderful cultural experience.
Getting around Rarotonga is easy. The island is very small and a bus circles the island on the hour during the day. It can take you from Muri Beach to town, where you can shop for food, local handicrafts, or black pearls.
Keep in mind that November through April is the summer hurricane season, so May would be better than April for your visit.

wayne7639

Diamantina - thanks for feedback & link, very helpful!!!
Cheers.
-Wayne

wayne7639

Louise - thanks very much for Lonelyplanet forum link - will take a look!
Cheers.

peterl43

Wayne....we stayed at the Pacific Resort 4 years ago with our 3 kids..8,11,14...the resort (then at least) was in need of a makeover but the pool was a hit with the kids and the beach was right there...very calm and warm water (I think would be great for a 2 years old)...some snorkeling and sea kayaks. We thought that we needed a car and are glad that we had it....while it was a fine trip, I would not necessarily go back there..the pics of Aitutaki are beautiful and wished we had at least made a trip for a night or 2 there...There is a really good restaurant on the beach

BikerScott

We always stay at the Palm Groves on Rarotonga - I've been twice, my parents 3 times, and my grandparents went 13 times in 12 years (my granddad was slightly obsessive about the Cooks).
I understand that they've changed ownership since I was there last, but the facilities are excellent, have (had?) a decent restaurant on-site, and one of the best beaches on the island (in my opinion - not private, but secluded - even if you don't stay there I'd recommend checking out the beach).