Wondering about best coffee in Rarotonga? For many of us, as well as searching out the beach, one of the first things we look for on a holiday is a good cup of coffee. And if you’re a coffee lover heading to Rarotonga, you’re in for a real treat.
Despite its small size, the island has a surprisingly vibrant and delicious coffee scene. From roadside shacks to picturesque cafes with stunning views, there’s no shortage of spots to get your caffeine fix and soak in the island’s relaxed atmosphere.
We’ve made it our mission to sample a flat white (or three) at as many places as possible, and we’ve put together our list of the best coffee shops on Rarotonga. So, grab your reusable cup, and let’s go on a coffee crawl!
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Our Top 10 Picks for Coffee Lovers
1. Sea Monster Café
Right on the waterfront by the Avatiu Harbour, Sea Monster Cafe is a true gem. This little cafe is known for its excellent coffee and quite seriously – the best whale-watching coffee spot in Rarotonga!
It’s a great spot to grab a coffee and sit right on the ocean front. The coffee is consistently good, and the simple food menu is fresh and creative.
We always choose this spot after a hike up The Needle. (Did you know you can go up-and-back meaning you end back down in town in Avarua?).
- Open: Monday – Sunday from 6:00am
- Location: Avatiu Harbour, Avarua
2. Kai and Co
Kai and Co is a local favourite. This bustling little cafe has a great energy and is always full of happy locals and tourists. But it is seriously popular on a Saturday morning as it is right smack bang in the middle of the Punanga Nui Market. And if you have kids; this is ideal for great coffee and positioned next to the islands biggest playground.
The coffee is fantastic, and they also have a wide selection of fresh, healthy food options, including delicious smoothies and salads. It’s the perfect place to start your day.
- Open: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 2:00pm; Saturday 8:00am – 12:30pm
- Location: Punanga Nui Market, Avarua
3. Rarotonga Bakery – Best Coffee in Rarotonga
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, classic spot for coffee and a fresh pastry, you can’t go wrong with Rarotonga Bakery. It’s a bit of a local institution, and the coffee is strong, hot, and pairs perfectly with one of their famous sweet pastries or a freshly baked pie.
It’s a great spot for a quick and cheap breakfast. Plus, I have to say that living here in Rarotonga; this is our absolute favourite place for coffee on the island!
- Open: Tuesday – Saturday 6:00am – 6:00pm
- Location: Nikao (next to Oasis) and Avarua
4. Tiare’s Café
Tiare’s Cafe is a cozy and welcoming spot in Muri that offers a great coffee and a friendly atmosphere. It’s a wonderful place to sit back, relax, and watch the world of Muri go by.
The coffee is always made with care, and the homemade cakes and muffins are a delicious bonus. There is a great breakfast and brunch menu. Plus, on a Sunday they have live music in the beautiful garden outside.
- Open: Sunday – Friday 7:30am – 12:30pm (Closed Saturday)
- Location: Muri
5. Reefside – Coffee in Rarotonga
You will find the popular Reefside coffee in Rarotonga right in the middle of town. Just near the Punanga Nui Market, Reefside is another local favourite with brilliant coffee and ideal location.
- Open: Monday – Saturday 7:30am – 2:00pm
- Location: Punanga Nui Market, Avarua
6. The Waffle Shack
While it might be famous for its delicious waffles, The Waffle Shack also serves up a great cup of coffee. And – it is right in the heart of the Saturday Punanga Nui Market in Rarotonga too.
This is a must-visit for families or anyone with a sweet tooth. The coffee is a perfect companion to one of their indulgent waffle creations.
- Open: Tuesday – Friday 7:00am – 2:00pm; Saturday 7:00am – 12:00pm
- Location: Punanga Nui Market, Avarua
7. Lucky Rooster
Tucked away in Avarua, Lucky Rooster is a vibrant and favourite cafe. They are serious about their coffee here, and it shows. The baristas are skilled, and the coffee is always top-notch. It’s a great place to go if you appreciate a well-made brew.
This is one of our top cafes for breakfast or brunch in town. You will find Lucky Rooster just next to the CITC Pharmacy right in the heart of town.
- Open: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 2:00pm; Saturday 8:00am – 1:00pm
- Location: Avarua (next to CITC Pharmacy)
8. Studio Blue Café – Coffee in Rarotonga
Studio Blue is more than just a coffee shop— Studio Blue is a cafe and empowering space in the Cook Islands where young people with autism can gain skills and experience in hospitality. This is an incredible place to support. Not to mention it does fab coffee and a beautiful pancake breakfast on a Friday and Saturday morning!
If you get the chance, definitely go and try the Studio Blue Café coffee in Rarotonga.
- Open: Fridays: 8:00am – 1:30pm, Saturdays: 9:30am – 1:30pm
- Location: Back Road, Nikao
9. Cafe Jireh – Coffee in Rarotonga
For those looking for a quiet, comfortable place to grab a coffee, Cafe Jireh is an excellent choice. This small cafe is known for its friendly service and delicious iced coffees. It’s a great place to stop on a hot day and refuel with a cool, refreshing drink and is right opposite the airport.
- Open: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm
- Location: Opposite Rarotonga International Airport
10. Beluga
Located in Arorangi, Beluga is a beautiful cafe that feels like a hidden oasis. The decor is stylish and modern, and the coffee is fantastic.
They also have an incredible breakfast and lunch menu, with a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients. It’s a great spot for a leisurely brunch with a good cup of coffee.
- Open: Monday – Friday 7:30am – 2:30pm
- Location: Arorangi
11. Love Café
Just as the name suggests, Love Cafe is a charming and welcoming spot in Matavera. The cafe is filled with an uplifting, positive energy, and the coffee is consistently good.
It’s a great place to meet with friends or simply relax and enjoy the moment.
- Open: Monday – Saturday 7:00am – 2:00pm
- Location: Matavera
12. Maire Nui Gardens
This is an absolute must-visit for any nature lover. Maire Nui Gardens is a stunning botanical garden with a charming cafe tucked away inside. You can walk through the beautiful gardens before or after your coffee.
The cafe itself is a peaceful and serene spot, and the coffee is delicious. It’s a truly unique experience that combines natural beauty with a great cup of coffee.
- Open: Monday – Friday 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Location: Titikaveka
Enjoying the Best Coffee in Rarotonga
No matter where you are on the island, you’re never too far from a great coffee spot. The cafes in Rarotonga are more than just places to get a drink—they are a central part of the island’s laid-back lifestyle.
So, go ahead and explore, find your favourite spot, and take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures of island life.
Read more about travel to Rarotonga
- 10 Foods To Try In Rarotonga.
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- Hiring a scooter in Rarotonga.
- Renting A Car in Rarotonga.
- How To Buy A Car In Rarotonga.
- Finding And Renting A House In Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga Reef Explorer Tour With Ariimoana.
- Is Dengue Fever a worry for travel to Rarotonga?
- Transport And Getting Around Rarotonga.
More about travel planning for Cook Islands and beyond
These are the companies we use and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. Easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before holidaying to Rarotonga!
Gavin is our people-meeter wherever we go. For all the stories we share about the kindness of strangers in Uzbekistan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and more, it is Gavin that extends a handshake and meets a new friend without even sharing the same language.