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.
DJ DANCE PARTY 19 SEPTEMBER
Coco House Bros is a Cook Islands DJ trio made up of 2 men (DR.E and Mark Zow) and a woman (Anthom). They describe their music and DJ sets as "a fusion of tech, tribal and afro house with a sprinkling of nu-disco vibes". REHAB MINISTRY all day on the 19th blends electrifying beats with stunning South Pacific settings at the iconic Rehab Raro club.
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
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
INTERNATIONAL DANCER OF THE YEAR 23 AND 24 OCTOBER
Cook Islands dancers from Australia and New Zealand are being invited to join this event which is part of the celebrations marking the nation's 60th anniversary as a self-governing country. It's the first time this has been held and it promises to be a spectacularly colourful and noisy competition, at the National Auditorium
MISS COOK ISLANDS PAGEANT 11-31 OCTOBER
Held every two years, this is much more than just a beauty contest. The organisers describe it as a journey of growth, leadership, and legacy and the judges look for all of that in the contenders. Events begin on 11 October when the contenders are announced and end with a crowning ceremony at the National Auditorium on 31 October
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
DJ DANCE PARTY 1 NOVEMBER
Coco House Bros is a Cook Islands DJ trio made up of 2 men (DR.E and Mark Zow) and a woman (Anthom). They describe their music and DJ sets as "a fusion of tech, tribal and afro house with a sprinkling of nu-disco vibes", The SUNSET SESSION is dance music in its purest form at Vaiana's Beach Bar and Bistro.
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 include iron races, a boiler swim, sprint regattas and a marathon day. Upwards of 850 people have competed previously in around 100 teams. Cook Islands performances, food, and music events are also part of the festival. Trader Jacks is one of many great places to watch the action. Sunday 23rd is a day of rest with no events
"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)
DJ DANCE PARTY 27 DECEMBER
Coco House Bros is a Cook Islands DJ trio made up of 2 men (DR.E and Mark Zow) and a woman (Anthom). They describe their music and DJ sets as "a fusion of tech, tribal and afro house with a sprinkling of nu-disco vibes". The SUNSET SESSION is dance music in its purest form at Vaiana's Beach Bar and Bistro.
JANUARY
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
MARCH
COMPOSERS COMPETITION
This competition (Te Mire Atu) 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
APRIL
LGBT+ CELEBRATIONS
2024 saw the first gay pride type events and they’re now an annual event.
'Anuanua' is described by 'Pride Cook Islands' as a celebration of love
acceptance and unity. 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) Held from 11-14 April in 2025
APRIL/MAY
NATIONAL DANCER OF THE YEAR
Held in two stages in April and May, this is the fiercely fought but friendly annual
celebration of dance. Juniors, expats, masters and experts compete to be
crowned the best in their groups. 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
MAY
TRIATHLON FESTIVAL
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. Held from 1-5 May in 2024