Where to Eat in Rarotonga on a Public Holiday: 10 Spots Open for Constitution Day (August 4th).

Sarah Steiner

3 days ago

If you are lucky enough to be on the island this week, happy Constitution Day!

This Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, is a public holiday across the Cook Islands as we celebrate Constitution Day. If you’re visiting, consider yourself extremely fortunate to be here right now. August 4th marks the absolute grand finale of the week-long Te Maeva Nui festival – hands down one of the most vibrant, exciting, and culturally rich celebrations of the entire year!

Because we are living in Rarotonga for the second time, we know firsthand that public holidays here work a little differently than back home. Most government offices, supermarkets, and local shops close down so everyone can celebrate. But don’t worry – you won’t go hungry!

We’ve done the legwork for you (literally ringing around the island to check opening hours) so you can spend less time wondering what’s open and more time soaking in the island vibes. (Or the rain this year; sorry!).

But here is your ultimate local guide to eating out in Raro on Constitution Day!

Hey! We are Away With The Steiners. Wondering about living in Rarotonga, Cook Islands?

First: What’s Happening for Constitution Day?

Before you head out for coffee or lunch, make sure to catch some of the incredible local festivities!

The official Constitution Day celebrations kick off at the National Auditorium in Avarua at 9:30 AM and are completely open to the public. You’ll get to experience traditional drumming, cultural dancing, singing, parades, and plenty of local food stalls. It is an unforgettable experience for adults and kids alike!

Local Living Tip: Stock up on any necessary groceries the day before (Monday). While resort dining and select cafes stay open, the major grocery stores will be closed.

10 Places Open to Eat on Constitution Day

Whether you’re craving a beachside burger, a fresh coffee after the morning parade, or a romantic dinner overlooking the reef, here are 10 awesome spots open on Tuesday, August 4th:

1. Vaiana’s Bar & Restaurant (Nikao Beach)

Vaiana’s is a favourite of ours and an absolute classic for casual beachfront dining. Shoes are completely optional here! Grab a cold drink and a feed while watching the sunset.

Hours: Open all week, including the public holiday, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Vaiana’s is always our favourite and is right on the beach and brilliant every time.

Vaiana's is open on Constitution Day public holiday in Rarotonga. — Vaiana’s is always our favourite and is right on the beach and brilliant every time.

2. Vibe Takeaway (Nikao Social Centre)

If you want relaxed island takeaway right by the water, Vibe is the place. Known for fish and chips and massive burgers, you can grab your food and sit at the picnic tables right on Nikao beach.

Hours: Open all day for food on the public holiday.

3. The Islander Hotel & Restaurant (Avarua)

Located right on the waterfront near the airport, The Islander is reliable, welcoming, and always bustling. It’s a great spot for a full breakfast.

Hours: Open daily with food served continuously from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

4. Trader Jacks (Avarua Harbour)

An absolute Rarotonga institution! Perched right on the edge of the harbour in town, Trader Jacks offers cold beer, good food, often live music and always iconic ocean views.

Hours: Open 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM on Tuesday.

The amazing Kura Happ from Ariimoana Walkabouts playing on a Friday late afternoon at Trader Jacks. Go say hi after a tour!

5. Vili’s Burger Joint (Matavera)

Craving one of the best burgers on the island? Vili’s is open and flipping their famous gourmet burgers all afternoon on the holiday.

Hours: Open Tuesday from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Burgers are good to go on Constitution Day – and anytime – at Vili’s!

6. Tamarind House Restaurant & Ukulele Bar (Tupapa)

Tamarind House is set in a beautifully restored colonial building right on the oceanfront. There is the Ukulele Bar for lunch or sit down for a stunning dinner.

Hours: Ukulele Bar open for lunch from 12:00 PM. Dinner served from 5:00 PM onwards.

Absolutely delicious dinner at Tamarind House.

7. Soul Café (Avarua)

The Soul Café in the heart of Avarua town will be open early, serving up great coffee and breakfast.

Hours: Open 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Soul Cafe in Avarua is open on Constitution Day.

8. Love Café (Tupapa)

Good coffee, a fresh smoothie, and a bakery treat on your way around the island.

Hours: Open early from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

9. Shipwreck Hut Bar & Restaurant (Arorangi)

Shipwreck Hut is famous for its quirky, laid-back decor, barefoot beach vibes, and sunset cocktails.

Hours: Open normal hours from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

10. Resort Restaurants (Island-wide)

The major resort restaurants are fantastic, hassle-free options because they remain open every single day of the year for guests and outside visitors.

Three of our top recommendations open on Constitution Day include:

Castaway Resort Bar & Restaurant (Arorangi)
The Edgewater Resort & Spa (Arorangi)
Nautilus Resort Restaurant (Muri)
Club Raro (Tupapa)

Friendly service at the beachfront bar at Club Raro.

What’s Closed on Constitution Day?

To save you a wasted trip around the island road, keep in mind that these popular spots will be closed on Tuesday, August 4th for the Constitution Day holiday (and will reopen their normal hours later in the week):

Beluga (Arorangi) – Closed Tuesday.
Lucky Rooster Eatery (Avarua) – Closed Tuesday.
Falafel Shack (An absolute favourite of ours! Closed Tuesday; back open Wednesday).
The Beach Hut – Closed Tuesday; back open Wednesday.
Saigon Shack – Closed Tuesday.

Enjoy the Constitution Day Celebrations!

Living in Rarotonga has taught us that public holidays are some of the best days to slow down, connect with the local culture, and soak up the unique warmth of the Cook Islands. (Or shelter from this year’s rain!).

Head to town for the morning performances, grab a bite at one of these open spots, and enjoy celebrating Constitution Day!

Have questions about visiting Raro or looking for more local tips from our second stint living on the island? Drop a comment below or send us a message!

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!