Hailed as The Most Beautiful Lagoon in the World, Aitutaki is truly a postcard of a tropical paradise. We have both always been in love with the tropics, and have been everywhere from the Maldives to the Caribbean and all over Southeast Asia in search of paradise - and nowhere comes close to Aitutaki. The main island is long, narrow, and fish-hook shaped, and is surrounded by a shallow aqua blue lagoon. Cruising into it, and out to the smaller surrounding islands, you are surrounded with the most vibrant blue water we had honestly ever seen.
The sandbars of Aitutaki Lagoon from above
Paradise!
Related reading: Rarotonga travel guide.
GETTING THERE:
- Most visitors reach Aitutaki via Rarotonga, the main international gateway to the Cook Islands. International routes and schedules change, so check current flights to Rarotonga before planning the onward connection. Read my complete Rarotonga travel guide for more.
- Air Rarotonga operates the onward flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki, which takes about 50 minutes. The small planes were more comfortable and roomy than we expected, and the lagoon views on arrival were spectacular. Check the airline’s current schedule when booking.
- Aitutaki is small, and having a rental car made exploring easy for us. Arrange transport with a currently operating rental company or your accommodation, and confirm pickup and local driving requirements before arrival.
Flying into Aitutaki Lagoon
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- The same as Rarotonga, Aitutaki uses the New Zealand Dollar as currency, and is on the same time zone as Hawaii.
- While Rarotonga is a bit cooler and cloudier, Aitutaki tends to be warmer, sunnier, and usually full of blue skies. In our 4 days here, we only saw rain for a few hours - and even that brief storm was pretty unusual. This is truly paradise.
- The island is even smaller than you think it will be!
WHERE TO STAY:
A lagoonfront stay is one of the best parts of a trip to Aitutaki. Here are a few of our favorites!
- Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island: Like something out of Bora Bora or the Maldives, this was my dream hotel for Aitutaki. Set into the lagoon, this is the only hotel with over-water bungalows. The resort is built on a private island, just a 1-minute ferry ride from the main island - and there is a ferry on standby to shuttle guests back and forth at all hours.
- Tamanu Beach, Aitutaki: Our villa here felt like Bali, with an indoor/outdoor space and private enclosed terrace. The beach in front of the resort is expansive and perfectly tropical.
- Etu Moana Boutique Beach Villas: A boutique property with the kindest owners, and everything you need to enjoy - hammocks, water sports, and a pool bar that stays open all night with your own key.
- Pacific Resort Aitutaki: A sister property to the Pacific Resort on Rarotonga, this is a well-established luxury property on the island.
Over-Water Bungalow at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort
The Beach-front Pool at Tamanu Beach
CAN'T MISS EATS:
- Koru Cafe: A nice upscale cafe with outdoor seating, this was one of our favorite stops. They have everything from sandwiches and lattes to more ambitious dishes like mussels with bacon. We ate here a couple of times and everything was fantastic.
- Puffy's: An island staple, Puffy's is a large beach shack with a small menu of island favorites. Definitely try the BBQ chicken and the fish and chips!
- The Boat Shed: A great lunch spot on a beach front that's just a bit hidden from the main road. Like nearly everyone else we met on the island, the people here were so kind and hospitable.
- Mango's Take Away: This was not a place we planned on stopping at, it actually didn't come up on TripAdvisor when we were looking, but it is a great hidden gem on the island. While most restaurants are moderately priced, this was a great, cheap takeout spot - perfect to grab and bring back to your hotel for a casual night in. The thai noodles and fried rice were fantastic!
Still dreaming of this muscles, bacon, and tomato dish from Koru Cafe
Out front the Boat Shed Bar and Grill
ISLAND CRUISING:
Book The Vaka Cruise: Explore Aitutaki’s lagoon and small islets with snorkeling equipment and a barbecue lunch included; check pickup details for your accommodation.
- If there is one thing you HAVE to do on Aitutaki, it is going out on a cruise through the lagoon! The main island is stunning, but being out on the sand bars and the famous One Foot Island is even more unbelievable. The waters are incredibly calm and the rides are short - so everyone can fully enjoy the trip.
- The Vaka Cruise: Affordable group day cruises, on a boat made to look like a traditional Polynesian raft - a photo on the front of this boat is a necessity! These trips are all-inclusive with towels, snorkeling equipment, bbq lunch, and a full day of adventuring. The easiest way to see it all in a day!
- Bishop's Cruises: If you want a private experience, charter a boat with Bishop's Cruises through the lagoon. We had so much fun, we did this twice!
- One Foot Island: Have you ever been to paradise? One Foot Island is like stepping into a screensaver. If you arrive early in the morning or close to sunset, you can even have the entire place to yourself!
Landing on the island aboard the Vaka Cruise boat
Throwing the anchor into our own sandbar on our Bishops Cruises private boat.
DON'T MISS OUT ON:
- The One Foot Island souvenir stamp: Bring a travel journal or souvenir card for this keepsake rather than putting a novelty stamp in your official passport.
- Piraki Look Out: Piraki Look Out is reached by a back-island drive, a mountain bike ride, or a steady hike, and is a great place to watch the sunset and check out the jungle side of the island.
- The Sandbar: Not far from One Foot Island is a pure white sandbar that comes and goes with the tides. I had never seen anything like this before!
- A Polynesian Island Night Show: Similar to a Luau but with local specialities. We caught the show our last night at Tamanu Beach Resort, check the resort’s current show and dinner schedule before booking - complete with traditional outfits, fire dancing, and a massive buffet (including our favorite BBQ whole pig!)
- Wearing a head 'ei: The traditional flower crowns are stunning, and available all across the island, as many local women make them. Ask your hotel and they can get you one easily. I never took mine off our entire time here!
- Going for an island drive: Cruise around the island to check out the jungle, the tiny villages, and some unexpected turns.
The Sand Bar, in an ocean of blue.
Cruising through the island's backroads.
Get inspired:
Landing in Aitutaki on Air Rarotonga
Running through Palm Groves at Aitutaki Lagoon
Sunset magic from the beach at Etu Moana Villas
Views from Piraki Look Out
Making friends with the locals
Brandon the monkey at One Foot Island
Our water villa at Aitutaki Lagoon
A Sunset date at Piraki Lookout
Untouched beaches along the lagoon
Our amazing captain from Bishops Cruises!
Sunset at Tamanu Beach
Finding Palm Groves all over the island
The Lagoon at Tamanu Beach
The water is really this blue! It doesn't even look real on the Sandbar out by One Foot Island.
B Burkley: Professional Palm Tree Climber
Working on my climbing skills as well!
Passport Stamp at One Foot Island
A private swim at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort
Magic from above
The most perfect little palm, out front of Etu Moana.
Sunset at Tamanu Beach.
Hi, I am sitting inside a postcard.
Cruising the back of the island in our Rino Rentals SUV
Don't miss Mango's for great take-away!
Lunch on our deck at Aitutaki Lagoon
Setting Sun on the beach at Etu Moana
Did we take enough photos here? Honestly, we just couldn't stop! I'm sure we will see you again, Aitutaki.
Any questions? Please let us know below!
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