Rarotonga is a place of serene beauty. But when the sun goes down, the island’s vibrant social scene comes to life! From casual beach shacks with sand floors to elegant cocktail lounges, the island offers a bar for every mood and every occasion. Whether you’re seeking a quiet spot to watch a spectacular sunset, a lively venue with live music, or a nightclub to dance the night away, you’ll find it here.
This guide will take you on a tour of the 12 best bars in Rarotonga, each offering a unique slice of island life and a perfect way to cap off a day in paradise.
1. Trader Jacks – Best Bars in Rarotonga
A Rarotonga institution since 1986, Trader Jacks is a must-visit for anyone looking for a quintessential island experience. Located right on the water in Avarua Harbour, it’s known as the island’s main social hub. The atmosphere is always buzzing, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the relaxed vibe and stunning views.
Trader Jacks offers an extensive drinks menu, including fantastic cocktails, making it a great spot for a leisurely lunch or an evening of celebration. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time while soaking in the scenery and the friendly island atmosphere.
- Bar: Trader Jacks
- Location: Avarua
2. Vaianas – Best Bars in Rarotonga
For a true ‘toes-in-the-sand’ experience, look no further than Vaiana’s Bistro and Bar. Located just minutes from the airport, this spot is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and laid-back feel. It’s a perfect place for a family-friendly afternoon or a romantic evening.
They boast a happy hour with some of the cheapest drinks on the beach, and the tranquil setting right on the sand makes it a prime location to relax and unwind.
Vaiana’s often features live entertainment, ensuring a fun and memorable experience as you watch the sun disappear below the horizon.
- Bar: Vaiana’s
- Location: Nikao
3. Charlie’s
Charlie’s Cafe & Bar, located on the picturesque Te Akapuao Beach, embodies the casual, carefree spirit of Rarotonga. It’s a popular spot for both day and night, offering delicious food and a vibrant bar scene.
Known for its live music that starts in the early evening, Charlie’s provides a fantastic atmosphere for a relaxed dinner or a fun night out with friends.
The beachfront location, coupled with friendly service and an impressive drink menu that includes everything from classic beers to tropical cocktails, makes it an essential stop on your Rarotonga bar hop.
- Bar: Charlie’s
- Location: Tikioki
4. Tamarind House Ukulele Bar
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated and historical setting, the Tamarind House Ukulele Bar is the perfect choice.
Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building that once served as the British Consul’s residence, this bar exudes old-world charm. The serene setting, with manicured lawns sweeping down to the beach, offers a peaceful and elegant backdrop for enjoying a drink.
As the name suggests, live ukulele music adds a gentle, authentic local touch to the atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a quiet, romantic evening or a special occasion.
- Bar: Ukulele Bar
- Location: Tupapa
5. Cococktail
Located in Tupapa, Cococktail is an adults-only cocktails bar and tapas restaurant that promises a unique and memorable experience. With a focus on expertly crafted cocktails and delicious small plates, this bar is a haven for those who appreciate the finer things.
The atmosphere is vibrant yet sophisticated, making it a great place for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night celebration.
They also host private parties and special events, and their dedication to high-end service and unique flavours sets them apart from the typical beachfront bar.
- Bar: Cococktail Bar
- Location: Tupapa
*Update: I’m not sure this bar is open this year! We had such great cocktails there I hope it reopens soon.
6. Castaway – Best Bars in Rarotonga
The Castaway Beach Bar offers a tranquil escape with a relaxed, island-inspired atmosphere. Situated at the Castaway Resort, this spot is known for its chill vibes and stunning sunset views.
With live acoustic music on certain nights, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a cocktail with your feet in the sand. The bar offers a fantastic happy hour, often hailed as the ‘longest on the island’, which makes it a popular spot for guests and visitors alike.
It’s an ideal setting to relax and watch for whales in season while sipping on a delicious drink. We saw whales just last week from Castaway!
- Bar: Castaway Beach Bar
- Location: Arorangi
7. Barefoot Bar
Located at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga, the Barefoot Bar provides a stunning setting overlooking the famous Muri Lagoon. This bar is celebrated for its fantastic cocktails and the ritualistic conch shell blowing that announces the start of its daily happy hour.
The atmosphere is both elegant and casual, allowing you to enjoy your drink with lagoon views.
The staff are known for their exceptional service, and the wide range of beverages, from classic spirits to tropical concoctions, ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Bar: Barefoot Bar
- Location: Muri
8. Trio’s Garden Bar
A hidden gem in Avarua, Trio’s Garden Bar is a must-visit for its tropical decor and lively, welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery, the outdoor seating area provides a relaxed and secluded feel, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff, Trio’s often features live music, attracting both locals and tourists looking for a fun night out.
Their diverse drink menu, which includes expertly crafted cocktails, makes it a great spot for a casual drink or a fun night out with friends.
- Bar: Trio’s Garden Bar
- Location: Avarua
9. Club Raro
Club Raro is a long-standing adults-only resort with a lively poolside bar that serves as a popular social hub. With its swim-up bar and refreshing drinks, it’s the perfect spot to cool off and socialize with other travellers.
The bar is a great place to start your evening, especially with their happy hour specials. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, with the beautiful resort grounds providing a tropical backdrop.
Club Raro is a classic choice for those who want a fun and relaxed place to enjoy a drink and meet new people.
- Bar: Club Raro
- Location: Tupapa
10. Rehab
For those who want to party late into the night, Rehab Nightclub is the place to be! Located in Avarua, it’s known as Rarotonga’s premier nightlife destination.
With an island-style club feel, awesome DJs, and a vibrant dance floor, Rehab is where you go to let loose and dance until the early hours. The club also runs a famous ‘Raro Pub Crawl’ party bus, which is a great way to experience several bars before ending the night at Rehab.
It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking for a high-energy, unforgettable night of music and fun.
- Bar: Rehab
- Location: Avarua
11. Hula Bar – Best Bars in Rarotonga
Hula Bar is one of two iconic bars at The Islander Hotel, offering a beachfront location that is perfect for dancing the night away under a billion stars. It has a reputation for its vibrant atmosphere and is a great place to meet other visitors and friendly locals.
The bar offers a wide range of international branded drinks and often has special events and live entertainment. Its proximity to the airport makes it an easy and convenient stop for a quick drink or a long night of fun.
- Bar: Hula Bar
- Location: Nikao (opposite Rarotonga Airport)
12. Shipwreck Hut
Often referred to as one of the “world’s favourite beach bars,” the Shipwreck Hut is a charming, laid-back lagoon-side escape. Its rustic, quirky character, with an array of signs and decorations, gives it a unique feel.
The bar is located right on the beach, making it an incredible spot for watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand. They offer a simple yet delicious pub-fare menu, and with live music on certain nights, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and soak up the relaxed island vibe.
- Bar: Shipwreck Hut
- Location: Arorangi
Now, Just How To Choose?
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful sunset spot or a lively place to dance, Rarotonga’s bar scene has a little something for everyone.
So, grab a cocktail, kick back, and enjoy the magical evenings this paradise island has to offer. Enjoy!
Read More About Travel to Rarotonga
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- 10 Unforgettable Walks In Rarotonga.
- 10 Historical Sites You Must See In Rarotonga.
- Hiking The Needle Cross Island Walk.
- Hiring A Bike In Rarotonga.
- How To Get Your Scooter License In Rarotonga.
- 15 Essential Tips On Visiting Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga Reef Explorer Tour With Ariimoana.
Accommodation Options in Rarotonga
There is a great range of accommodation options in Rarotonga, with resorts, hotels and motels, holiday homes and self-catering AirBnB’s:
Resorts in Rarotonga
- The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, Aro’a
- The Edgewater Resort & Spa, Arorangi
- Club Raro, Tupapa
- Nautilus Resort, Muri
- Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Muri
Hotels and Motels in Rarotonga
- Magic Reef Bungalows, Arorangi
- Coral Sands Apartment, Arorangi
- Black Pearl at Puaikura, Aro’a
- Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel, Titikaveka
- Muri Garden Lodge, Muri
Holiday Homes and AirBnB
- Cooks Oasis Holiday Villas, Arorangi
- Lagoon Breeze Villas, Aro’a
- Muri Lagoon Beachfront Villa, Muri
- Ariki Bungalows, Muri
There are loads of amazing options when choosing accommodation in Rarotonga. There is a fantastic range available and each option has different qualities that will make your trip suited just to you.
Links For Travel to Cook Islands & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling as a family 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 and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 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 and nomads including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before travelling to the Cook Islands!
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.