Cook Islands Dispatch: A Birthday Escape to Aitutaki

For Noah's birthday, I surprised him with a weekend away on Aitutaki. We'd been living on Rarotonga for almost two months, so it seemed the perfect excuse to explore another corner of the Cook Islands. A 50-minute flight with Air Rarotonga was all it took, yet it felt like we'd traveled to another world. It is truly one of the most special spots I have been to, so incredibly romantic.

If you're only visiting Rarotonga, Air Rarotonga also offers day trips to Aitutaki. Personally, I wouldn't do it. This is a place that deserves at least a night or two.

We stayed at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, reached by a short, I mean very short boat ride (shuttle launch) to its own private motu in the middle of the lagoon. It felt wonderfully removed from everything.

Our thatched beachfront bungalow opened directly onto the water. Kayaks rested on the beach outside our door, bicycles waited nearby, and every morning began with one of the most extraordinary lagoons I've ever seen.

The water is a color I have never seen. Clear aqua blue with a layer of pink over the top. So beautiful, it hardly looks real.

The lagoon is the reason to come. Spend the day kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, snorkeling, wing foiling, kitesurfing, or simply floating in warm, crystal-clear water. We did a little of everything, but next time I'd spend even more time exploring by kayak and bicycle.

We only booked a long weekend.

That was our biggest mistake.

Next time I'll stay a week.

Worth Knowing

Getting there

• Aitutaki is about a 50-minute flight from Rarotonga with Air Rarotonga.
• Day trips are available, but I'd strongly recommend staying overnight.

Where we stayed

• Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort
• Located on its own private motu (islet), reached by boat.
• Complimentary kayaks and bicycles.

About Aitutaki

• Aitutaki is the second most-visited island in the Cook Islands after Rarotonga.
• The main island is about 18 km² (7 sq mi) and is surrounded by one of the world's most beautiful lagoons, dotted with tiny coral islets called motu.
• The lagoon is famous for its incredibly clear, shallow water and is considered one of the South Pacific's premier destinations for snorkeling, sailing, and water sports.

Would I return?

Without hesitation. Next time, I'd stay longer. Spend more time biking around the island and of course in that irresistible water.

Bring water shoes, there are lots of sea cucumbers in parts.