Kia Orana and the Spirit of Hospitality

The Cook Islands welcome visitors with a simple phrase: Kia Orana. It means “may you live long” and reflects the local philosophy of manaakitanga—a spirit of kindness, respect, and generosity. For travellers, this greeting is more than a word; it is an invitation into the island’s way of life. Staying in smaller, boutique resorts such as Moana Sands gives guests the chance to connect with this warmth, experiencing the Cook Islands in an intimate and genuine way.

Island Nights of Dance and Drumming

Few experiences capture the energy of the Cook Islands like an island night. These cultural evenings combine music, dance, and storytelling with a feast of traditional food. The sound of Cook Islands drumming fills the air, a fast and powerful rhythm that sets the pace for dancers performing the ura—a traditional dance where every movement tells a story of ancestors, legends, or everyday life.

Guests are often invited to join in, learning the movements under the guidance of the performers. It is a lively, joyful introduction to Polynesian culture and an essential part of any Rarotonga itinerary.

Village Tours and Everyday Traditions

To understand the island more deeply, visitors can take part in guided village tours that showcase how traditions remain a part of daily life. These tours may include demonstrations of weaving with pandanus leaves, coconut husking, or planting taro, a staple food in the islands.

Wandering through inland plantations and village paths offers a chance to see Rarotonga away from the main tourist hubs, while meeting locals who are proud to share their heritage.

A Taste of the Islands – Cook Islands Food

Food is central to cultural life, and nowhere is this more evident than at a traditional kai kai, or feast. Meals often feature an umu, an underground oven lined with hot stones. Wrapped in banana leaves, ingredients such as fish, breadfruit, taro, and pork are slow-cooked to create smoky, rich flavours.

Signature dishes include:

• Ika Mata – raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut cream.
• Rukau – taro leaves simmered in coconut cream.
• Poke – a sweet pudding made with pawpaw or bananas.

Whether at a resort cultural night or in a local village, sharing food in this way is as much about community as it is about taste.

Sundays in Rarotonga – Music and Faith

Sundays hold a special place in Rarotonga. Life slows down, families gather, and churches fill with song. Attending a Sunday service is one of the most memorable experiences for visitors, even those who are not religious. The power of voices singing hymns in Cook Islands Māori and English creates a moving atmosphere, often described as the true sound of the islands.

Travellers are warmly welcomed, and many churches extend their hospitality by inviting visitors to share a meal afterwards. Experiencing a Cook Islands Sunday offers insight into the island’s values and rhythms of life.

Art, Crafts, and the Market Scene

The creativity of the Cook Islands is seen in its art and handicrafts. Visitors can shop for tivaevae quilts, brightly coloured pieces that are hand-stitched and often passed down through families. Pareu, the island’s version of the sarong, are sold in bold patterns and colours, reflecting the vibrancy of island life.

The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua is the best place to experience this creativity firsthand. Held every Saturday, it brings together artisans, food stalls, musicians, and locals in a lively celebration of community. Browsing the market gives travellers a chance to pick up unique souvenirs while engaging with the island’s culture in an authentic setting.

Marae and Ancient Heritage

Beyond the beaches, Rarotonga is home to sites of deep historical importance. Marae, sacred meeting grounds, were once central to the spiritual, political, and social life of Polynesian communities. Walking along the Ara Metua, an ancient inland road that circles the island, you will encounter some of these stone sites.

Guided tours explain their significance, connecting travellers with the island’s ancestral past. Standing in these spaces, it is possible to imagine ceremonies and gatherings that took place centuries ago, offering a sense of continuity between past and present.

Learning by Doing – Workshops and Classes

For visitors who want to immerse themselves more deeply, hands-on workshops provide the chance to learn traditional skills. Cooking classes teach how to prepare local favourites like ika mata, while weaving workshops offer instruction in techniques that have been passed down for generations. Drumming lessons introduce the rhythms at the heart of island music, allowing travellers to take home not just memories but new skills.

The Value of Cultural Tourism

Travelling to Rarotonga is not only about beautiful beaches and lagoons; it is also about the people, traditions, and stories that make the Cook Islands unique. By participating in cultural activities, visitors help preserve these traditions while also gaining a richer sense of place. Meeting local artisans, attending performances, or learning traditional crafts creates connections that last long after the holiday ends.

Staying with Moana Sands

Moana Sands Group properties provide more than comfortable accommodation on Rarotonga’s southern coast—they offer a gateway to cultural discovery. The team can connect guests with island nights, church services, or village tours, helping travellers experience the Cook Islands in a way that feels personal and authentic. Whether it is your first time on the island or a return visit, staying with Moana Sands ensures a holiday that combines relaxation with cultural enrichment.

Conclusion

Rarotonga is more than a South Pacific paradise—it is a living cultural landscape. From the beat of the drum at an island night to the harmony of Sunday hymns, from the taste of food cooked in an umu to the artistry of a tivaevae quilt, every encounter tells the story of a people and their traditions.

To experience Rarotonga fully is to go beyond the beaches and lagoons and connect with the heart of the Cook Islands. Those who do leave not only with photographs of stunning scenery but with memories of warmth, music, and shared stories—treasures far more enduring than a suntan.