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. Athletes from different islands compete
against each other in sports including netball, handball, football, air
badminton, 3v3 basketball, beach touch and volleyball
Held from 4-18
January in 2025
NO EVENTS ANNOUNCED SO FAR
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
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
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
DANCER OF THE YEAR
This is the continuation of a fiercely fought but friendly annual
celebration of dance which beings in April. 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
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
NO EVENTS ANNOUNCED SO FAR
ANNUAL CONSTITUTION CELEBRATIONS (July/August)
The annual celebration of self-rule (Te Maeva Nui) is THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT IN THE COOK ISLANDS CALENDAR. It all starts with a parade through Avarua before dancing, drumming and singing competitions begin. Islanders from across the Cooks descend on Rarotonga to take part and display and sell their crafts and foods. 2026 will mark 61 years of self-government. Held over 8-10 days at the end of July and beginning of August. Constitution day itself (4 August) is a public holiday
DAY OF THE COUNCIL OF HIGH CHIEFS (Ra O T Ui Ariki) 3 July
The role of traditional leaders dates back to pre-colonial times and is celebrated on the first Friday of each July with a parade through Avarua and other special events. The day honours the rich cultural heritage of the Cook Islands and the part the Chiefs continue to play in the democratic government of the Islands
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
ANNUAL CONSTITUTION CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE
The annual celebration of self-rule continues and concludes in the first few days of this month. This is the most important event in the Cook Islands calendar. And the climax comes with the finals of the dancing, drumming and singing competitions at the National Auditorium. Islanders from across the Cooks will also be displaying and sell their crafts and foods. 2026 marks 61 years of self-government. Constitution day itself (4 August) is a public holiday
ROUND RARO ROAD RACE
Top international athletes, veterans and "nutters" share their love of running in this annual event which will be 49 years old in 2026. It kicks off with a light hearted fun run where everyone is encouraged to dress up. The 31km race round Rarotonga is the main event, usually with a 530 am start
Held from 18-23 September in 2025
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)
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 Held from 21-28 November in 2025
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
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)