This leading guidebook to the Rarotonga and the Cook Islands makes a great planning guide even if you've booked a package. Covering all budgets, the guide includes Polynesian culture, snorkelling, outer island trips and more. Lonely Planet country guides offer the complete, practical guide for independent travellers the world over, whatever their age, budget or destination. Included are:- Detailed "Getting Started" and "Itineraries" chapters for effortless planning- Inspirational full-colour "Highlights" sections that showcase the country's must-see sights- Easy-to-use grid-referenced maps with cross-references to the text- Insightful new "History," "Culture," "Food" and "Environment" chapters by specialist contributors"Down to earth accurate information for every budget, enthusiastically written." -Travel & Leisure

Travel to the far corners of paradise. To the islands of beautiful beaches and the friendliest people in the world. The Cook Islands offer the visitor a glimpse of South Pacific life that has changed little in the past century. The author survived a hurricane to enlighten the reader to the special places that are Rarotonga & The Cook Islands. This guidebook is written in a relaxed style, full of helpful information, presented with a touch of humor and the author's personal opinions. You will enjoy the lighter side of this well researched guidebook as you discover the natural beauty of these islands. · One whole chapter on the unbiased evaluations of all classes of lodging on Rarotonga. · The most extensive listing of accommodations of any guidebook of the region, including photos, Website listings and E-mail addresses. · Complete trip planning from Luxury to Budget, whether you are traveling from Philadelphia or Peru. · Extensive coverage of activities on each island. Diving, Fishing, Snorkeling, Horseback Riding, Surfing, Tours and Cultural Events. · Off the beaten track suggestions for accommodations, tours and restaurants. · Coverage of all thirteen occupied islands in the Cook Islands chain. · Complete Inter-Island Flight schedule and Rarotonga Bus Schedule. · Over 40 maps and pictures.

Myths, stories and legends which once guided the lives of young Cook Islanders reveal a panorama of history, place names and genealogical identity. The mystique of the tales fascinated many young people who gathered around their elders to hear them illuminate the past.

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Surf the swells around the southern coastlines, hike the challenging Cross-Island Track, or check out Tonga's 'Stonehenge of the Pacific'; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Rarotonga, Samoa and Tonga and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga Travel Guide: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience -history, etiquette, lifestyle, sport, arts, architecture, literature, music, dance, craft, tattooing, environment, geography, ecology, religion, myths & legends, cuisine, politics Over 30 colour maps Covers Raratonga, Aitutaki, 'Atiu, Mangaia, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Nuku'alofa, Ha'apai Group, Vava'u Group, Ma'uke and more eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga, our most comprehensive guide to Rarotonga, Samoa and Tonga, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for more coverage? Check out Lonely Planet South Pacific guide for a comprehensive look at what the whole region has to offer. Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet. About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

Christian missionaries introduced fabric quilt-making to the Cook Islands more than one hundred years ago. Within a short time, Cook Island women turned the tivaevae (needlework, specifically the making of patchwork quilts by hand) into an art form that has become an integral part of local life and culture. In this lavishly illustrated book, Island women talk about their tivaevae--how they are sewn, the ideas that go into each design, and the future of tivaevae.

The Cook Islanders' oral history tells of many stories that date back to a mythological time known as Avaiki. These stories were of brave men and women, mystical mountains, powerful gods and majestic sea creatures. This collection of eight beautifully illustrated legends captures the magic of this island culture.

Profiles famous Cook Islanders, who tell their story about how they became successful. Subjects include Sir Thomas Davis, Professor Bobbie Hunter, Lima Sopoaga, Dr. Tearikivao Maoate, Sir Terepai Maoare, Marghartet Matenga and Alfred Ngaro. Also looks at some legendary and historic figures.