Fun & Fascinating Facts About the Cook Islands with PRHG.
The Cook Islands is a stunning paradise full of unique traditions, fascinating history, and charming quirks. Pacific Resort Hotel Group is proud to share some fun facts you may not know about this tropical gem:
No Buildings Taller than a Coconut Tree
In the Cook Islands, the view is all about swaying palms and endless blue skies. You won’t find towering skyscrapers or high-rise hotels—just the unspoilt beauty of the islands, carefully preserved to keep their charm as breath-taking as nature intended.
Sunday is Sacred
In the Cook Islands, Sundays are all about faith, family, and embracing a gentler pace of life. Many businesses close as locals dress in their Sunday best and make their way to church, where the sound of beautiful hymns fills the air.
Strict Speed Limits
If you’re driving in the Cook Islands, be prepared for slow and steady speeds. The limit is 50kmph on the main road and in villages, while Avarua (the capital), Muri Beach, and school zones have a 30kmph limit.
No Traffic Lights
With just one main road encircling Rarotonga, traffic lights are unnecessary. The island instead has two roundabouts, and driving is laid-back, reflecting the relaxed island lifestyle.
Traditional Tattoos with Deep Meaning
Tatau (tattoos) in the Cook Islands are more than just body art—they are a connection to heritage and identity. Cook Islands tatau incorporate Polynesian motifs with specific meanings that honour ancestry, life’s journey, personal achievements, and cultural pride.
Strong Language Connections
Cook Islands Maori share deep linguistic and cultural ties with New Zealand Maori, as both originate from the same Polynesian ancestors. The language also has close connections with other Eastern Polynesian languages, including Tahitian, Hawaiian, Rapa Nui, Marquesan, and Pa’umotu. While each has developed its own unique identity, they all stem from a shared voyaging heritage that continues to shape traditions, language, and cultural pride across the Pacific.
Fifteen Islands in One Paradise
The Cook Islands is a breath taking collection of 15 islands scattered across 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. From lush volcanic peaks to idyllic coral atolls, each island offers its own unique slice of paradise.
Unique Currency
While the New Zealand dollar is widely accepted, the Cook Islands also issues its own distinctive coins, including the iconic triangular $2 gold coin—an exciting souvenir for visitors.
Whale Watching Haven
Between July and October, humpback whales migrate through Cook Islands waters. Visitors can often spot these majestic creatures from the shore or on special whale-watching tours.
World-Class Black Pearls
The Cook Islands—particularly the pristine lagoon of Manihiki—is famed for its stunning black pearls. These rare and lustrous gems are a significant part of the local economy, meticulously cultivated by skilled pearl farmers. Coveted for their deep, iridescent hues, they make for a truly special keepsake.
On your next visit to the Cook Islands, be sure to discover the unique treasures that make this paradise so unforgettable. From breath-taking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, every moment here is pure magic. Experience it for yourself!
Read more about ways to make your Cook Islands holiday more meaningful here>
Photo Credits: Cook Island Tourism & Ine Sosene