LGBT+ CELEBRATIONS 11-14 APRIL
2024 saw the first gay pride type events and they’re back in
2025. 'Anuanua' is described by 'Pride Cook Islands' as a celebration of love
acceptance and unity. This year's theme is "from struggle to strength" and the organisers say it "honours our journey of resilience, unity and progress". As well as lots of
fun, the events also mark the anniversary of the decriminalisation of
homosexuality in 2023 (Click here to find out more about that)
NATIONAL DANCER OF THE YEAR (Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors) 23 and 24 APRIL
Dancing could be called the national sport of the Cook Islands and this is the nation's equivalent of the cup final or super bowl. Mire Ura, as the event is called, sees teams from across the Islands demonstrating their skills and techniques for the top titles. The juniors and intermediates are first to compete followed by seniors on the 24th. "Golden Oldies", expats, masters and experts show their skills next month
PURSUIT IN PARADISE MARATHON, AITUTAKI 28 APRIL-1 MAY
First held in 2018, this event is now a regular part of the calendar and attracts entrants from all over the world, as well as Cook Islanders. Entrants can choose from the 10km course, half marathon 21.1Km course and the full 42.2km marathon course. Even if you're a seasoned runner, it's unlikely you'll have raced anywhere as stunning
TRIATHLON FESTIVAL 1-5 MAY
The organisers describe this as "a fun packed week of island fun and fitness" as well as an Olympic distance triathlon race. It comprises a 1.5-kilometre swim in Muri lagoon, around the island cycle of 41km and a 10km run to the finish line at the Rarotonga Sailing Club. The event attracts international competitors and although the entry fee is quite pricey, it costs nothing to watch. More details here
NATIONAL DANCER OF THE YEAR 9 MAY
Hard on the heels of last month's competition for juniors, intermediates and seniors, the annual celebration of dance continues. This time it's "golden oldies", expats, masters and experts competing to be crowned the best in their groups at the Rehab Club. The event holds a significant place in the cultural framework of the Cook Islands, showcasing the diversity and creativity of the dance form. These are performances not to be missed
No special events announced yet
TE MAEVA NUI 25 JULY-5 AUGUST
Cultural festival and constitution celebrations: 60TH ANNIVERSARY
The MOST IMPORTANT EVENT IN THE COOK ISLANDS CALENDAR is the annual celebration of self rule granted in 1965, and in 2025 it will be even bigger, five days longer and more special than usual. A detailed programme of events is still being worked on but the organisers promise stars from across the region and big concerts. As usual though, performing artists from Rarotonga and the outer islands will present new dances, songs, drum beats and costumes expressing the cultural theme chosen for the year. And a colourful parade through Avarua will kick everything off. Constitution Day itself (4 August) is a public holiday. ALL EVENTS IN DETAIL HERE
AN EARLY "BIRTHDAY CARD"
"Celebration
of a Nation" is a new video which looks at key
moments in the past and present day story of the islands and ponders about a future with threats from climate change, seabed mining, tourism and a declining
population. Created by the author of this website. Watch it now on YouTube
JULY TO OCTOBER: WHALE WATCHING SEASON
Nobody organises this one, but for many visitors it's a highlight not to be missed. Between mid to late July and October, the waters off the islands are full of whales. But they arrived early in 2024 with the first sighting in late June off Rarotonga. They swim close to shore as they head for warmer waters to mate, give birth and rest. In Rarotonga they come so close that you can even watch from the main road through town (Avarua) Photos: Cook Islands News
TRADITIONAL SPORTS 1 and 2 AUGUST
More than 100 athletes from across the Pacific will demonstrate their strength, agility and spirit in traditional Maori sports at this new for 2025 event. The details haven't been announced yet, but expect sports such as wrestling, log carrying and perhaps even stick games and kite flying all of which are traditional!
Photo: Ministry of Cultural Development
ROUND RARO ROAD RACE 18-23 SEPTEMBER
Top international athletes, veterans and "nutters" share their love of running in this annual event which will be 48 years old in 2025. It kicks off with a light hearted fun run (18th) where everyone is encouraged to dress up. The 31km race round Rarotonga (20th) is the main event, usually with a 530 am start. Other events include a "nutters cross island run" (23rd) which starts in Titikaveka and heads over mountain ridges, across rugged valleys and riverbeds down to the coast at Avatiu. But that's not for the faint hearted and the so far unbeaten record time to complete it is 45 minutes.
COOK ISLANDS GAMES
Athletes from across the 13 inhabited islands come together on Rarotonga, not only to compete in a friendly way with each other but also to promote unity and sportsmanship. Events include rugby, netball, rugby league, rugby union, football, cricket, tennis, bowls, golf, athletics, sailing, indoor basketball. canoeing, weightlifting, boxing, table tennis, volleyball, squash...and darts!
Held from 6-19 October in 2024
TURAMA 1 NOVEMBER
Graves may not be everyone's idea of a tourist attraction, but on Rarotonga they're a spectacular sight on 1st November each year when islanders decorate them with flowers, and light candles (real and solar powered!)at sunset which burn throughout the night. Turama is a an ancient Roman Catholic celebration of All Souls Day when people gather at gravesides, laugh about happy times and tell stories of their departed loved ones. These days other denominations also join in
VAKA EIVA (Canoeing festival) 21-28 NOVEMBER
The festival - the biggest sporting event in the islands – began in 2004. The Cook Islands Canoeing Association host a series of competitions including a round-Rarotonga relay for the main prize of the Pacific Cup. Other events in previous years have included singles and fun mixed racing, V6 iron racing, boiler swim, mixed changes race and marathon day. Upwards of 850 people have competed previously in around 100 teams. Trader Jacks is one of many great places to watch the action
Photo: Harvie Allison, used with permission
"LIFT OFF" FITNESS FESTIVAL, AITUTAKI
This community initiative was established in 2020 to promote health and fitness on Aitutaki but it's now much more than just that. Competitors from Australia and New Zealand were among nearly 100 people showing their weightlifting skills in individual and team events in 2023. And there was also a beginners category which the organisers hoped would encourage islanders to have some fun while getting fitter. Held from 7-10 November in 2024
TE MIRE TIARE (Flower) FESTIVAL
The sight and scent of flowers is everywhere on Rarotonga during this annual festival. Highlights include a float parade, a pageant to choose Miss Tiare and competitions for the best decorated businesses and government buildings Held from 30 November-6 December in 2024
CHRISTM AS EVENTS
ROTORACT CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK, Entertainment, food fireworks and children's activities at the National Auditorium Held on 19 December in 2024
SANTA PARADES through Avarua from the start of December with festive floats and more. And don't forget to take a stroll through town where the main street has a fun way of decorating for the season, including coloured street lights, palm frond Island-styled Christmas trees and lots of decorations
HOTELS AND RESORTS also have special events for their guests. And even if you're not a regular church-goer, a visit to one of the many services will not only remind you of the true meaning of Christmas it will leave you with memories of some amazing harmony singing
KONI RAONI, AITUTAKI 26 DECEMBER
Unique to Aitutaki, Koni Raoni loosely translates as "to dance around", and each year one of the villages on the island takes a turn at hosting the event to raise funds for that village. Fresh ei (flower garlands) and kai manga (a heavy duty kaikai feast) welcome the dancers wherever they go. (This event also takes place on 2 January of each year)
KONI RAONI, AITUTAKI 2 JANUARY
Unique to Aitutaki, Koni Raoni loosely translates as "to dance around", and each year one of the villages on the island takes a turn at hosting the event to raise funds for that village. Fresh ei (flower garlands) and kai manga (a heavy duty kaikai feast) welcome the dancers wherever they go. (This event also takes place on 26 December of each year)
BEACH GAMES
This community event started in 2020 and is now an annual feature organised by the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee. Islanders compete against each other in sports including netball, handball, football, air badminton, 3v3 basketball, beach touch and volleyball
Held from 4-18 January in 2024
COMPOSERS COMPETITION (TE MIRE ATU)
This competition celebrates the unique sound of the Islands. It provides a platform for established and emerging artists to demonstrate their creativity and skill in composing original music. The prestigious prize was won by a gospel song in 2025. Held on 14 March in 2025
