Planning your trip to the Cook Islands

By Rosemary McClure, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
04:24 PM PDT, June 20, 2007

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GETTING THERE:

From LAX, direct service (stop, no change of plane) to Rarotonga is available on Air New Zealand, and connecting service (change of plane) is available on Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Pacific and Qantas. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $1,398, dropping to $1,158 from April 26 to June 17.

TELEPHONES:

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international calling code), 682 (country code for the Cook Islands) and the local number.

The Cook Islands are in the same time zone as Hawaii, three hours behind California.

WHERE TO STAY:

Pacific Resort Rarotonga, P.O. Box 790, Rarotonga; 20-427, http://www.pacificresort.com . Nice gardens and attractive rooms at this 64-room resort on pretty Muri Beach. Restaurant, bar, pool, activities center. Doubles start at $248 a night, including breakfast and transfers.

Club Raro, P.O. Box 483, Rarotonga; 22-415, http://www.clubraro.co.ck . Small rooms, but the scenic oceanfront motel is within walking distance of Avarua, the capital. Pool. Doubles $106 a night, including breakfast.

Are Tamanu, P.O. 59, Aitutaki; 31-810, http://www.aretamanu.com . Picturesque location at the edge of Aitutaki's lagoon. Twelve cottages with kitchenettes. Doubles $300 a night, including breakfast.

Samade on the Beach, P.O. Box 75, Aitutaki; 31-526, http://www.samadebeach.com . Small, new, air-conditioned bungalows are clean and efficient. Doubles from $178 a night, including breakfast and airport transfers.

Gina's Garden Lodge, P.O. Box 10, Aitutaki; 31-058, http://www.ginasaitutaki.com . Roomy bungalows with kitchenettes. Pool. Doubles $70 a night. Beach Lodge on semiprivate isle is $170. Transfers included.

WHERE TO EAT:

Flame Tree, Muri Beach, Rarotonga; 25-123. Flavorful, nicely prepared Indonesian specialties and curries. Entrees from $15.

Cafe Tupuna, Tautu Village, Aitutaki; 31-678. Open-air dining. Seafood, chicken, taro, other local dishes beautifully presented. Entrees from $17.50.

TO LEARN MORE:

Cook Islands Tourism Corp., P.O. Box 14, Rarotonga, Cook Islands; 29-435 or, in the U.S., (866) 280-1739, http://www.cook-islands.com .