HI:
My husband and I are very much looking forward to going to the Cook Islands in a couple of weeks. We are planning to stay in Kura's Kabanas. Has anyone stayed there? I've read several conflicting messages about renting scooters -- some people seem to find driving one to be pretty dangerous. Any further thoughts or experience in two people using a scooter? Thanks a lot.

I've been to the Cooks twice and both time rented a scooter. They're only as dangerous as the person driving. There's no real traffic on the island to speak of except right around Avarua. Keep the pace slow and be alert and you'll have no problems. It's a great way to keep yourself mobile without having to rely on the bus system.

I know several folks who burned their leg on the muffler, while wearing shorts. Not a problem if you are careful, but something to watch out for.

While we were there, a couple we met blew the rear tire of their scooter twice while riding double. Neither resulted in an accident, but ther were stranded on the far side of the island for a while. The lesson is : pay attention to the load on your vehicle. Having said that, I have to add that we saw several LARGE Cook Islanders riding around (alone) that had to weight at least as much as both members of the couple that I mention. Don't know how their tiny little scooters handled the strain.

Ken

PS: ALF is right that you need to watch out for the accidental application of a "Rarotongan Tatoo" to your ankle (especially while dismounting the bike). We saw several tourists obvious scortch marks.

Thanks a lot for your feedback -- we will continue with our plan to rent a scooter -- and will be careful .... Also we will eat carefully - so we don't increase our weight too much!

Mary Jean

Hi!

My husband & I just returned on Sat. from a glorious trip to the Cooks, we had an incredible time as I'm sure you will. Sorry, don't know anything of the Kura's Kabanas and sure don't remember seeing them around either. But to answer your question, my husband & I each had our own scooters and they were so much fun. Having said that, it was definetly chilly at night having to drive them to our dinner & island night destinations. But I wouldn't let that affect the decision, unless it's scheduled to rain the whole time you're there, which I doubt. They are safe and you just have to be careful and take it slow. I had a hard time making turns at first but got the hang of it by the end of they day. We rented them on both Raro & Aitutaki, I didn't like having to depend on the bus or taxis, which were quite expensive!

If you have any other questions let me know, I can email you direct.

Jeannine