The Ultimate Aitutaki Honeymoon Guide, Cook Islands

If you’re considering the majestic island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands for your honeymoon, than look no further than this complete Aitutaki honeymoon guide.

Aitutaki is an untouched paradise and a perfect location for a honeymoon. This tiny island is surrounded by a picture-perfect bright blue lagoon, unlike anything else you can find on this planet.

From where to stay for an Aitutaki honeymoon to things to do on an Aitutaki honeymoon, here is everything you need to know about planing a romantic trip to Aitutaki.

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Where is Aitutaki Located?

Aitutaki is part of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. The island chain, which is affiliated with New Zealand, is located south of Hawaii between Fiji and French Polynesia.

The Cook Islands are split into two groups – the Northern Group and the Southern Group. Aitutaki is part of the Southern Group, which is easier to reach and far less remote than the Northern Group.

How To Get to Aitutaki

Aitutaki has long been a popular vacation destination for New Zealanders and Australians alike, although it is a lesser traveled destination for Americans.

All international flights to the Cook Islands will land at the main island of Rarotonga at the Rarotonga International Airport.

Once is Rarotonga, visitors will need to take a one hour local flight to Aitutaki via Air Rarotonga.

How to get to Rarotonga

How to Get to Aitutaki From Australia & New Zealand – Direct flights to Rarotonga are available from Auckland through Air New Zealand and from Sydney through Jetstar.
How to Get to Aitutaki From Tahiti & Hawaii – Hawaiian Airlines offers direct flights from Hawaii and Air Rarotonga offers flights from Tahiti.
How to Get to Aitutaki From USA – A new Hawaiian Airlines route flies to the Rarotonga out of Seattle, LA, and San Francisco with a stop in Honolulu.

We find all of our flight deals through Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Our roundtrip flights from Seattle to Rarotonga were only $899/person.

When To Visit Aitutaki

You may be wondering the best time of year to visit Aituaki. After all, you want the best weather possible for your honeymoon.

The Cook Islands generally enjoy a pleasant climate year round with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. Typically, Aitutaki runs a bit warmer and more humid than the main island of Rarotonga.

The winter corresponds with dry season, April to November. Rainy season occurs during the Cook’s summer season, November through March.

April – May and September – October are considered the shoulder season, which can offer a nice blend of weather and lower tourism.

It can get cool in the Cook Islands in the evenings and during the winter season. We recommend packing a button up shirt or a light jacket to throw on.

Why Should You Book an Aitutaki Honeymoon?

If you are looking for a laid back and casual honeymoon in one of the most beautiful places in the world without breaking the bank, Aitutaki is for you.

This remote, untouched paradise features stunning beaches, a picture-perfect electric blue lagoon, a laid-back atmosphere, and warm and welcoming people.

The Cook Islands are very accessible for western tourists. English is the official language and the currency is New Zealand Dollars.

The Cook Islands receive far fewer visitors than common honeymoon destinations like Fiji and Bora Bora. And although it’s stunning blue lagoon rivals the waters of Bora Bora, the cost of a honeymoon in Aiutaki is only a fraction of that cost.

Honeymooners who prefer a more local and off the beaten path experience will love Aitutaki and all of its charm. With a law that buildings cannot be built higher than the tallest coconut tree, you won’t find mass tourism or high rises here.

The flip side? Don’t expect a top-of-the-line Four Seasons or St. Regis experience here at local Cook Islands hotels and resorts. And although the island is perfect for relaxation, active honeymooners might find more to do on the main island Rarotonga.

If you want to hoenymoon in the Cook Islands, but prefer a larger island with more to see and do, then don’t missing our Rarotonga Honeymoon Guide. You can always split your stay between the islands!

The Best Aitutaki Honeymoon Resorts

In Aitutaki, you will mostly find boutique properties featuring bungalows and villas as the typical accommodations. All of the hotels and resorts in the Cook Islands are locally owned, so you won’t find any big chains here.

There are several romantic, luxurious hotels and resorts in Aitutaki that are perfect for honeymoons or destination weddings.

Etu Moana – This romantic adults only boutique resort is located on a beautiful stretch of beach on the sunset coast of the island. Etu Moana features just 8 bungalows, an honor bar, pool, and the kindest couple who reside on-site as management. We had an amazing stay at Etu Moana and particularly enjoyed the ability to rent their golf carts and scooters to explore the island with.

Tamanau Beach Resort – Tamanau Beach Resort is located a short walk from Etu Moana, with a similar concept. However, the larger Tamanau Resort offers 23 bungalows, two pools, the Tamanau Restaurant and Bar, and an on-site spa. There are separate wings for families and adults, making it an excellent option for multi-generational destination weddings. The resort is also known for its weekly sunset BBQs and twice-weekly fire show dinners.

Pacific Resort Aitutaki – This five-star adults only resort features stunning views set amongst tropical gardens The resort offers 29 bungalows and villas, the Rapae Bay Restaurant, Black Rock Bar, Tiare Spa, and an infinity pool. The Pacific Resort has a traditional resort-like feel and is one of the most luxe and pricey on the island.

Aitutaki Escape – Perfect for those seeking privacy, Aitutaki Escape features three beachfront private pool villas as well as a small on-site restaurant, Rumors Cafe. The property is open to ages 14+ and both one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas are available.

Aiutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort – Located on a private motu in the best part of the lagoon, this adults-only resort is home to the only overwater bungalows in the Cook Islands. In addition, you’ll find beach villas, pool villas, and a large Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa. You’ll also find a plenty of beaches to explore, a pool, the H.M.S. Bounty Restaurant, the Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill, and SpaPolynesia Aitutaki. The resort is accessible by a quick ferry ride across the lagoon’s channel.

How to Get Around Aitutaki

I’m sure you’re wondering the best way to get around Aitutaki. We do feel it is important to book transportation for your time on the island. While Aitutaki is quite small, the restaurants, beaches, and attractions are spread out.

We did not rent a car as our resort had a fleet of scooters and golf carts to available for guests to rent. We had an absolute blast exploring the island on the scooter and golf cart and highly recommend going this route if possible.

If you are not interested in renting a scooter, then you will definitely need to rent a car. Make sure you book well in advance as car inventory is limited and cars book up quickly.

We do not recommend relying on taxi service. There is only one taxi in service for the entire island!

Vehicles can be rented from Aitutaki Car & Bike Hire, Popoara Rentals, Rino’s Rentals, and Ranginui’s Rentals.

Where to Eat in Aitutaki

Aitutaki offers several breakfast, lunch, and dinner options across the island, ranging from local cafes to fine dining restaurants at the resorts.

As Aitutaki is such a small island, advance reservations are highly recommended. Most restaurants are not open seven days a week. It’s important to plan ahead.

Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill – Located at the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, this outdoor restaurant features upscale dishes and the island’s best views of the lagoon.

Rapae Bay Restaurant – Located at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, this open air fine dining restaurant offers stunning views of the beach below for a romantic and upscale evening.

Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Bar – This casual restaurant is located at the Aitutaki Village Resort on Ootu Pointe, serving island and international dishes along with stunning lagoon views. Blue Lagoon also hosts a popular Island Night on Tuesdays.

Tamanau Beachfront Restaurant – This beachfront restaurant is located at the Tamanau Resort and is well known for their Thursday night Fire Shows and Sunday BBQ Under the Stars.

Koru Cafe – Koru Cafe is an extremely popular breakfast/brunch and coffee shop in Aitutaki. You may have seen it on Instagram or Youtube.

The Boat Shed – This casual local bar and grill offers a rustic setting, outdoor seating, and a range of seafood and Asian dishes.

Avatea Cafe – A local quirky al fresco cafe serving vibrant fusion dishes, perfect for a laid back lunch or dinner. Considered to be the best local cafe on the island.

Romantic Things To Do In Aitutaki

Looking for some romantic and fun things to do with your partner on honeymoon? Here are some must do best activities in Aituatki.

Take a Lagoon Cruise – An Aitutaki lagoon cruise is an absolute must-do. On these cruises you’ll visit famed One Foot Island, snorkel with giant clams and Trevallis, and cruise the stunning blue water. Check out popular cruise operators the Vaka Cruise and Bishop’s Cruises.

Enjoy an Island Night – Island Night dinner shows are a cultural tradition in Aitutaki, featuring traditional dance, music, and entertainment. Check out Island Night at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (Mondays), Aitutaki Village (Tuesdays) and Tamanau (Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Book a Private Beachfront Dinner – A romantic beachfront dinner under the stars is a must. Inquire with your hotel or resort to see if a private beachfront dinner is available.

Stargazing – Did you know that the Cook Islands are one of the best places in the world to star gaze? Pick a moonless and cloudless nights to take in the beauty of the universe. For stargazing enthusiasts, Etu Moana is a dark site with minimal lighting and dark site, and Aitutaki Escape has a professional telescope available to their guests.

Explore the Island: The island of Aitutaki is quite small, at only 6.5 square miles. We had a blast exploring the island by golf cart, scooter, and bicycle. Rentals are available, or your accommodation may provide these.

Check out a View Point: Active honeymooners may enjoy the 40-minute roundtrip hike to the island’s highest point, Maunga Pu Peak. Alternatively, Piraki Point also has stunning views and is accessible by vehicle.

Water Sports: With it’s calm and sheltered lagoon, Aitutaki is the perfect place to try some water sports. Spend your days snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and more.

Aitutaki Weddings & Elopements

Interested in eloping in paradise? Many of the resorts offer popular wedding packages to make your wedding day easy and stress free.

One Foot Island Wedding – What can be more iconic than tying the knot on One Foot Island? Bishop’s Lagoon Cruise offers a One Foot Island wedding package starting from $4,500 NZD / $2,756 USD.

Aitutaki Private Island Resort – Guests of the resort can book the “Over the Moon” Wedding Package and enjoy a ceremony at the private island’s Sunset Beach, Oneroa Beach Chapel, or Kuriri Pointe Gazebo. Starts from $3,999 NZD / $2,449 USD.

Etu Moana – This resort offers two wedding packages for guests, including a unique wedding on Honeymoon Island sand bar! Costs start around $2,900 NZD / $1,776 USD.

Aitutaki Escape – Wedding packages for guests of Aitutaki Escape are affordable at $1,800 NZD / $1,100 USD or FREE with a seven night stay.

Tamanau Beach – Resort guests can opt for an affordable wedding at this family-friendly venue for only $1,950 NZD / $1,194 USD.

What to Pack for Your Aitutaki Honeymoon

Wondering what to pack for a honeymoon in the Cook Islands? Luckily, it’s pretty easy to pack for a trip to Aitutaki. Overall, Aitutaki is a very casual island. You won’t need a lot of our outfits and don’t need to get dressy. This is a flip flop, sneaker, and flat sandal type of island!

However, since it is your honeymoon and a special occasion, make sure you pack some luxe white bikinis, dresses, and pajamas. We highly recommend at least one nice dress for a special dinner – ask your resort about private dining under the stars!

The Cook Islands uses the Type I electrical outlets with 240v AC 50Hz. Americans will need to bring a travel adapter and converter.