Nestled in the Pacific, a few thousand kilometers from the continents of Australia, Asia, and America, is the world-renowned Cook Islands. Among this family of 15 islands is Rarotonga, the largest of the lot. This destination is the true definition of paradise, one that’s endowed with a plethora of natural features. At the heart of the island, volcanic mountains rise with a dense cover of rainforest sprawled at their feet. Hikers are often enchanted by this site, and it will definitely allure you. At the edge of the island is the sparkling white sands of the stunning beaches with the blue waters of the ocean washing up these sands. Rarotonga boasts a number of exquisite beaches like Muri, Aroa, and Manea. These are havens for lovers of swimming, scuba diving, and paddle boarding–activities that you can indulge in when here. When it comes to kind of accommodations, Rarotonga is populated with plenty of family resorts and comfortable accommodations for tourists. Take a look at our handpicked selection of the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
Tip from Content Creator
Before you book an Airbnb for your trip, check out my favourite activities in Rarotonga:
1. Visit Wigmores Waterfall
2. Go on a Captain Tama Lagoon cruise to swim with turtles and learn about the Rarotongan culture
3. Climb the Needle for 360-degree views of the Island
4. Watch the sunset at Aroa Beach
5. Swim at Blackrock
6. Hop on a party bus
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. The Love Shack (from USD 129)
The Love Shack provides the perfect setting for a romantic escape. Here, you can immerse yourself in the serene garden view as you swim laps in the private outdoor pool. Enjoy refreshing dips at your leisure or simply bask in the sun-drenched surroundings while resting on a comfortable sun lounger. This accommodation also provides a private outdoor kitchen, allowing you to prepare romantic meals in a picturesque setting. You can then savor your culinary creations from the alfresco dining area.
The location of this getaway is perfect for exploring Rarotonga. Embark on exciting adventures, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, in a lagoon. Nearby beaches, such as Titikaveka Beach, beckon with their pristine sands and crystal-clear waters.
For a taste of local culture, Punanga Nui Market is just a 20-minute drive away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved the amount of deck space the pool and the showeraircon works well so you sleep comfortable at nightthe morning view and the plunge pool were a highlightlooking at the view of the beach whilst in the pool really tops it offlovely view of beach from pool great location in muriCleanliness:
it was very clean and tidyvery clean and tidy with lovely decorclean cozy private and well set up for a magical stayan incredible stay private clean and had everything you neededgood location clean and great outdoor spaceHost:
felicia is a great hosthosts also very accomodating and nicefelicia and james are awesome hosts to communicate withand roz the host was so helpful kind and responsiveroz was an amazing hostRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect spot close to muri beach restaurants and barsits a nice walk (2great pool outside shower is awesome under the stars and it’s pretty well located to everythingso relaxing and stunning we loved the location honestly can’t fault itgreat place and location great communication and smooth check in
Superhost
2. Spacious villa ideal for large families (from USD 190)
This villa is the perfect choice for large families, as it provides ample space both indoors and outdoors. A barbecue grill will be at your disposal, perfect for hosting family cookouts and enjoying delicious meals in the open air. After a filling meal, spend some time playing in the sparkling private pool.
If you want to explore the area, the nearby Cook Islands National Museum presents an excellent opportunity for cultural exploration and learning. When you return to the property, leave your car in the safety of the on-site parking area.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the modern interior and private poolinstead we enjoyed the tranquility of the pool villa aircon & raro heat for 5 days straightnathalie made it so easy we loved having the pool for the kidsCleanliness:
clean and well presentednice clean and tidybeautiful clean spacious townhouse in rarotongavery clean and well equipped with very comfortable bedsfantastic accommodation great having the pool too - everything was super clean and nathalie was an excellent hostHost:
nathalie was an awesome host that was easy to talk to and only a call awaynathalie is a fantastic host and we highly recommend staying at her villa'snathalie was very helpful making sure we arrived safely to placeRead more reviewsLocation:
location is pretty good close to the townshipthe location from town is very quick and easy and close to convenience stores and cafesgreat location and great place to staygreat place for family getaway central to the townshiplovely place to stay very spacious and in a great location close to town and to convenient stores
3. Guest suite surrounded by greenery (from USD 70)
Found in a stunning garden, you’ll be awed by the beauty of this accommodation. Its location is a testament to the overall beauty of Rarotonga. From this short-term rental, you can casually walk to the city center where there are various places of interest. Also, the beach is only a short walk away. Enjoy fruits from the mango or lemon trees which form part of the garden on the property.
The rental itself has all you’ll need in a home away from home. There are two single beds in the space, perfect for two guests. For those who want to prepare a simple meal, there’s a kitchenette available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was comfortable the fan cooled the room nicelythe place comes equipped with a fan so we slept greatvery comfortable studio we stayed in close to all amenities good value for moneythe rooms were cool in the hot weather and the units are close to the main townCleanliness:
the room itself was clean and tidythe place is very clean and comfortableeverything was clean and we had everything we neededvery clean apartment (apart from ants on work surfaces)good location and clean facilitiesHost:
she was super friendlythe landlady gave us many helpful advice for the tripawesome host thanks againshe was very accommodating and took care of usthank you for your kind hospitality mr caffelyRead more reviewsLocation:
the location to town and the airport is excellentgreat little room close to the airportit's nice and close to town and the airportgreat place to stay in raro near avarua and the bus stopbeautiful location with easy walking distance to the town would highly recommend
4. Beachfront living (from USD 151)
This idyllic long-term rental in the Cook Islands is right on the edge of Muri Beach, affording those who stay here a breathtaking view of the ocean. This wonderful location is serene and tranquil, a perfect place for a vacation. Nearby, there are small shops, restaurants, and cafés that you can explore. If you love water sports, Muri Beach is the perfect destination.
Inside, the rental is marked by simplicity and comfort. The rental has an elegantly furnished living area with a flat-screen television, a kitchen space that’s well-equipped, and a sleeping area with a double bed. You can spend time on the terrace, enjoying the spectacular view.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the views are spectacular and the bungalow is so very relaxing comfortable and homeythe bed faces muri beach and you can enjoy the beautiful lights of the sunrisethe place was extremely clean comfortable and the view was breathtakingCleanliness:
very clean and comfortable good valuethe house was clean we love to come backthe house is tidy and clean all the furnitures are provided even a bbqHost:
host emm and manager ura both lovelyemm has been a great host answering all my questions and helping understand everything i need to knowemm came to visit and is just a wonderful hosta beautiful comfortable place with a lovely hostemm was an extremely responsive host before and during the tripRead more reviewsLocation:
fabulous location in muri beachgreat cute cabin at a great locationawesome location right in the beachright on the beach makes it a perfect locationemm’s place is a fantastic location at muri beach
5. Rarotonga mountain getaway (from USD 54)
This unit sitting in a scenic part of Rarotonga allows you to enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. When you want to go to the beach, a short walk will take you there.
The apartment for rent in the Cook Islands is elegantly furnished, bearing a similar aesthetic to a 5-star establishment. Inside, you’ll find a queen bed, a flat-screen television, and a cozy couch. You can also step out onto the deck and enjoy the wonderful view. In case you need to prepare your own meals, there’s a fully equipped kitchen for this purpose.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed is comfortable and all amenities were provideda big comfortable bed and a fan that does its jobthe bed was super comfortable and the space had everything we needed including a lovely private balconythere is a fan in the room so it is not very hotwe are impressed by the high tech ceiling fan it's quiet and made us sleep well at nightCleanliness:
very clean and comfortableit was immaculately clean and incredibly comfortablefeeling welcome clean tidy and privatethe place is very nice and clean as describedthe space is very clean quiet and privateHost:
a little sanctuary with wonderful hoststhey were all so welcoming and kindhis family is lovely and they are very helpful hostsour hosts were very friendly and welcomingthe hosts nicholas and linda are so lovely and kindRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is beautifulit's in a beautiful locationbeautiful peaceful setting 20 min walk to avarua 15 min to beach and airport even shorter on a bicyclebeautiful property in a peaceful location a great base for exploring the islandthe location is pretty convenient and gorgeous scenery
6. Getaway in tropical gardens (from USD 47)
Stay in a tropical holiday home in Rarotonga amidst a lush scenery that’s made up of palm trees with a backdrop of the island’s mountains. This is the perfect place to call home while on a vacation. Just a short walk away, you’ll get to the scenic reef where there’s a spectacular ocean view. Rented out is a one-bedroom house that can comfortably house three guests. It’s a simple wooden house that warmly welcomes you. The interior is modestly furnished but offers comfort and relaxation to its guests. Among other amenities, there’s a kitchen with basic appliances, enough for you to prepare a simple meal.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the pool was wonderful with lounge chairs and an outdoor bbqplenty of room for two of us with a nice balconythe amenities were all that was required and having a pool was a bonusthe bungalow we stayed in was very comfortable and had a fan for keeping the place cool overnightwe loved lounging by the pool and relaxing on our back deckCleanliness:
lovely clean pool toovery clean and well-equippedit was clean and comfortsimple and clean accomodationand so clean and airy and freshHost:
friendly managers and quick responsesthe staff is very friendlyhosts are lovely and welcomingkylie and marshall were the perfect hostskylie and marshall were fantastic hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
loved the location it worked out perfect being so close to main shops and muriclose to town and handy to super brown storeavarua town center is an easy 45 minute walk if you don't have transportationclose to town and also close to muri which is a really beautiful beachvalue accommodation close to bus and local store walking distance to town if you enjoy walking
7. Farmstay in Rarotonga (from USD 83)
Marvel at the exquisite views of mountains and valleys on this tropical island by staying in this one-bedroom accommodation. From the rental, you can easily reach the beach on foot where you can indulge in activities like scuba diving or paddle boarding. Perched on a farm, this house places you in one of the most serene locations in the area. Other than your host, you’ll share the property with a bunch of goats and chickens. Fresh eggs are available to you each morning, courtesy of the chickens, a part of your European-style breakfast. Staying here, you’ll enjoy the luxurious amenities in the rental. There’s a well-furnished living space, a kitchen area with basic equipment, and a cozy bedroom that boasts of a double bed.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nature around the apartment is amazing tropical forest and lovely viewsbreakfast spread is delicious and generousbreakfast with them is chatty funny and informativewe really appreciated the breakfast with everybody at the veranda from odette and josephthe land is beautiful fresh fruit all around chickens and goats and always a great breakfast providedCleanliness:
its a very clean bungalowspotless clean modern and for two people very spaciousvery nice and clean placethe accommodation is clean and comfortablethe place was exceptionally clean and bug freeHost:
joey and odette are wonderful hoststhey were brilliant hosts and made us feel very welcomejoe & odette were wonderful hosts to usand the hosts know everything and everyone and help everybody out just amazingjoey was a great host and we can't recommend him enoughRead more reviewsLocation:
loved the location and its surroundingspretty and convenient location between muri beach and the main townlocation was great 30-40min walk or 5min scooter to muri 15min scooter into townit's a quick walk to the main road but it's far back enough that it's peacefulwe just wished their place was free when we come back to rarotonga from aitutaki next saturday
8. Private sleeping unit (from USD 37)
For those visiting Rarotonga alone, this rental is a perfect place to stay. A private room, it offers a cozy and affordable accommodation on this heavenly island. Found just a short drive to the downtown area, the rental is within easy reach of the shopping outlets, grocery stores, restaurants, and cafés in the town. Muri Beach is also a short distance from here. The room is elegant, marked by bright colors. Inside, there’s a single bed for you to come back to at the end of the day. The house has an outdoor kitchen that you can use to prepare your own meals.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there's a fan and a large wardrobethe unit is also quite spacious (fits a big bed and a small bed) with great natural lightingwe didn’t have a key to lock our room but our belongings were completely safeour favourite time was having breakfast/brunch with the views of this beautiful mountainlydia very kindly offered breakfast with her familyCleanliness:
clean spacious room and bathroomthe room is clean and clamclean modern bathroom with good shower pressurevery clean and hot showersthe place is clean and we have everything we needHost:
lovely and kind hostlydia was a great host very helpful and knowledgeablelydia was a great hostyou are wonderful hosts wendylydia is a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is also goodvery good location near the townthe location is also very good quite close to avarua and the beachnice family good location and spacious roomthe place is very well located few minutes drive far from town
9. Nirvana bungalow (from USD 88)
Stay in the village of Vaimaanga in a bungalow that’s located just a short walk from the beach. The rental is also just a stone’s throw away from the area’s restaurants, cafes, and a supermarket. And if you walk for 20 minutes, you’ll get to the stunning Wigmore’s Waterfall. This is an ideal rental for a couple’s getaway as it’s able to host two guests. Inside, you’ll be welcomed by a double bed in the main space. The living area is on the opposite end where there’s a couch. The rental also has a kitchenette, ideal for preparing simple meals. You also get facilities like a flat-screen television for entertainment and a bathroom with a shower.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great space with everything you need fans provided for those extra hot daysthe bungalow is simple but comfortable neat and clean and the courtyard is very nice and privatewe had a very comfortable stay here would recommend it to anyonecomfortable and well set upCleanliness:
a lovely clean and tidy placeclean and great little unitclean tidy and a comfy bedclean private and just nice for a couplequiet and clean great hostsHost:
kristina was a lovely hosthosts were very kind and friendlypeter&lesley are extremely nice approachable and kind hostskristina and her husband were fantastic hostskristina and mark are great host and ready to help with anythingRead more reviewsLocation:
we really liked the locationgood location as wellgreat location in between arorangi and murinirvana is close to some of the island's best beaches for swimming and snorkellingperfect location with easy access to muri and the west side of the island
10. Center of paradise
Rent out this guesthouse that’s able to host up to two guests. Found just a short distance from the city center, you’ll be within walking distance to the restaurants in the area. The rental is surrounded by lush trees that ensure the house remains cool even in the hot island sun. The interior is modestly decorated but still oozes a luxurious appeal. The main space has a double bed and a couch adjacent to it. There’s also a kitchen area where you can prepare a simple meal when you need to. For those times when you want to stay in, you can enjoy a show on the television.
Avarua District, Cook Islands
227 meters (0.2 ft) from Punanga Nui MarketTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the space was very breezy and also had a fan to keep it nice and coolit was a nice space very comfortablethe bed was delightfully comfy which is always nicethe room was really nice and had everything we needed comfortable as wellCleanliness:
the room was clean and tidythe room was clean and cuteyou can expect a clean quiet placethe unit is modern clean and adequately furnishedit's clean and tidy and has everything you needHost:
welcoming hosts fletcher and vaeagot water and some food from the host that was nicevery lovely hosts and fantastic tips and info about the islandvery friendly hosts and good surroundingvery friendly and helpful hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to townsuper close to town and car and bike hire placeslocation is amazing we even prefered this location better compare to muri beachgreat location within walking distance into the centre of towncentre location it's in the heart of town - simply amazing stay
11. Atupa Orchid units - 2-bedroom bungalow
This two-bedroom bungalow can host up to four guests. Surrounded by lush trees and stunning flowers, this property bears a kind of beauty that’s found everywhere in the area. From here, the beach is just 1.5 km (0.9 miles) away while the city center is only 0.5 km (0.3 miles) from here. The interior space is vibrant and oozing with a lively appeal. This is thanks to the brightly colored curtains and seat fabric used. Though the rental is modestly furnished, you’ll still find comfort here. There are two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two single beds.
Avarua District, Cook Islands
655 meters (0.5 ft) from Punanga Nui MarketAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the other family room are perfect size with nice space and gardenexcellent apartment for a group we were only two so we had lots of extra bedsCleanliness:
extremely clean and tidythe accommodation was clean and tidythe place was wonderfully clean and very comfortablethe space was basic but comfortable clean and well appointedabout inside unless you expect a greatly clean place like hotels it's enough clean which is worth the priceHost:
she was a wonderful host - very friendly and welcomingshe was very friendly and made us feel very welcomevery peaceful (except for the roosters) lovely hosts will come againafter waking up ingrid she was very helpful and apologeticingrid was an excellent hostRead more reviewsLocation:
private easy ten minutes walk to townwalking distance to town and ingrid is a wonderful hosteasy walk into town the next morninggreat inland location to stay at surrounded by natural beautyeasy walk to a convenience store the start of the cross island trek and avarua
12. The Blue Studio at Atupa Orchids
Ideal for up to two guests, this rental is a perfect place to stay for a couple on a romantic getaway. Perched in a stunning garden, the studio is surrounded by a stunning landscape marked by beautiful hills in the background. If you’re lucky, you’ll find some of the fruits in the garden ready for picking when you visit. From here, you can walk to the beach which is just 1.5 km (0.9 miles) away while the city center is only 0.5 km (0.3 miles) from this rental. The Blue Studio is exactly as its name implies. It’s filled with blue décor as well as blue bedding. Inside, there’s a double bed and a kitchenette for you to prepare a simple meal.
Avarua District, Cook Islands
746 meters (0.5 ft) from Punanga Nui MarketAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
and the unit can get very warm even with the fan blowingexactly as we expected great self contained space with lovely balcony and good showeringrid's rooms were very pleasant and quite close to town with all amenities as describedthe room is exactly as described and nice for a private budget-friendly visit to rarotongathe room was lovely and rarotonga was amazingCleanliness:
it was clean and neatthe room was cleaned daily with fresh towelsroom was small but very clean and tidyour place was cleaned and tidied up almost everyday by a really nice womenit was clean and had everything i neededHost:
wonderful hosts who were very accommodating and helpfulingrid is such a kind hostgreat place and host definitely recommend itfriendly and very flexibleand she is so kind to help me to deal with my woundsRead more reviewsLocation:
we loved the close proximity to the townshipa really nice central location amongst pretty gardensingrid was lovely close to townnice place near to the town and 20 minutes walking to the airportgreat value for a cute place close to town
A tropical paradise
Rarotonga is surrounded by picturesque scenery wherever you go. From pristine beaches to towering mountains, you’ll certainly love how nature comes together on this island. The vacation rentals listed above will place you right at the center of this beauty, allowing you easy access to whichever attraction you choose to visit. Come to Rarotonga and enjoy a serene vacation away from the bustles of daily life.
Frequently asked questions about the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Rarotonga, Cook Islands
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10 Best Long-Term Rentals In Rarotonga, Cook Islands - Updated 2024Trina Joy Cassey -
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