Rarotonga is the largest of the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands archipelago. Believed to be settled by the Polynesians in 1000 AD, the Cook Islands have a population of 15,000. About 160,000 visitors per year (mainly from New Zealand) come for the attractions of snorkeling, scuba diving, cycling, hiking, deep sea-fishing and dining out.
 

The volcanic island stands 15000 feet above the ocean floor. Its densely forested interior slopes down to a fringe reef inside of which lies a coral lagoon.
 

Avarua, the capital and commercial center, has a small harbour and the main services for the island.

Rarotonga is 32 km. in circumference. A main road, Ara Tapu, circles the island. There are two buses, one going in a clockwise direction, and one anti-clockwise.
 

Historical tribal land divisions (vaka) ruled by Ariki continue to influence local decisions.

Missionaries brought Christianity to the island in 1823 and uprooted traditional culture. The Takamoa Theological College, established in 1839, has 20 branches throughout the Pacific.

Cook Islanders are devout Christians with strong church and family values. Historical churches and cemeteries dot the island, and it is common to see burial plots in families' yards.
 

We were welcomed to Cook Island Christian Church services where there were glorious Maori hymns sung a capella and generous banquet lunches.

The Cook Islands is a parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. 80,000 Cook Islanders live in New Zealand and Australia.
 

Te Vara Nui is a reconstruction of a traditional village offering cultural tours, an overwater dance performance and a buffet dinner.
 

It is customary to wear 'ei katu. These floral head pieces are even part of school uniforms.

Muri Beach lies where the lagoon is widest and sandiest. Four small coral islets lie a short distance offshore within the fringing reef. This is a popular tourist area for kayaking, snorkelling, and glass-bottom boat cruising.

While we were there, a cyclone went through leaving damage and debris. Boats were moved out of the harbour and schools and businesses were closed. The whole community mobilized to clean up the next day.
 

At the Saturday Punanga Nui Market, artists, craftspeople, a farmers' market and food kiosks provide a glimpse of island life.

The National Museum, the Cook Island Museum and Library and the Pa Ariki Palace display books and artifacts about Polynesian history.
 

Our accommodation was at Lagoon Breeze Villas, with a lovely garden, pool and access to the marine reserve lagoon across the street.
 

We were afforded magnificent views of the sunset over the lagoon.

Coral reef life is abundant and colorful, with many types of coral, sea cucumbers, turtles and giant clams.
 

Species include triggerfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, eels, parrotfish and blue starfish.

New Zealand currency is widely used in the Cook Islands; although, they also have their own coins and bills, including a 3-dollar bill, and a triangular 2-dollar coin.

Typical local island food includes ika mata (raw seafood salad in coconut), umu (roasted pork and chicken), rukau (cooked taro leaves), passionfruit, papaya or mango salad, fried plantain, cassava or taro root, and desserts of banana poke pudding and pineapple pie.