The Cook Islands, comprised of 15 small islands located in the South Pacific, are an ideal vacation spot for travelers who like remote, exotic destinations.
More than 100,000 tourists visit annually — most frequently via the island of Rarotonga–the most populated of the islands, as well as home to the international airport and cruise port.
While not known to many, these islands and its capital are filled with an interesting history. Whether the Cook Islands are on your travel bucket list or you are just curious, here are some things you will find interesting.
11 Fun Facts to Know About the Cook Islands
1) There are 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands and each are classified as either “Southern Island”, “Northern Island”, or “Other Island”.
2) The Cook Islands are the world’s second largest producer of black pearls.
Pictured above are black pearls, which are popular souvenirs among travelers. Photo Credit: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.
3) While soccer and cricket are widely played all over the Cook Islands, rugby is the most popular and widely played sport.
4) 13,095 people live on Rarotonga, making it the most densely populated island of all 15.
5) The Cook Islands are known for their wood carving, and many young people who live here are taught by older generations of wood carvers how to perfect their skill.
6) The currency here is the New Zealand Dollar; however, they also use their own distinctive notes and coins.
7) The chief town, Avarua is located on the north coast of Rarotonga, and it is the capital of the Cook Islands.
8) Several movies have been filmed on Rarotonga, including The Other Side of Heaven and Johnny Lingo and Another Shore.
9) “Tivaevae“, which is the art of handmade island scenery patchwork quilts, is greatly valued and appreciated by native islanders.
A Rarotonga native is pictured sewing a tivaevae. Photo Credit: John C. Burland, from the National Library of New Zealand
10) English is the most widely spoken language here, but many islanders also speak in Cook Islands Maori. About 90% of islanders can read and write in both languages.
11) Most of the music and dance takes its roots from Polynesian influences, as the islands were settled by Polynesian people in the 6th Century.
Women of the islands showcase their festive dancing and traditional outfits.
Episode 1, Season 13, Survivor Cook Islands
Season 13 of the reality television show “Survivor” takes place in the Cook Islands.
Learn more about the Cook Islands:
This article is written by Hannah Watkins – writer, traveler, and grand-scale dreamer – as well as a senior studying communications at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.
She is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with her pug named Cookie.
Hannah is currently completing an internship with VentureTime Travel and she hopes to someday work in the Public Relations field.
Other Fun Facts posts:
- 14 Fun Facts to Know About Rotorua, New Zealand
- 12 Fun Facts You May Not Know About the Great Wall of China
- 15 Fun Facts about Cornwall, England
- 26 Fun Facts to Know About Hawaii
- Visiting Alaska? 22 Fun Facts You Might Want to Know
Have you been lucky enough to visit the Cook Islands? If so, what was your favorite experience there? Please share in comments.
