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The Islander Hotel

Main Road Panama Beachfront, Avarua 0682 Cook Islands
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Traveler (184)
Dining (29)
Room & Suite (23)

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Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#3 of 5 hotels in Avarua
Location
4.1
Cleanliness
3.8
Service
3.7
Value
3.4
The Islander Hotel is a great value for money 3 star beachfront hotel directly across the road from Rarotonga International Airport on the waterfront featuring 11 Cabanas, Islander Restaurant, Tiki Bar, pool, outdoor dining, sandy beach, daily sunsets and unpretentious island style service from a team of dedicated Islanders. Our HULA bar on the beach offers all day happy hour from 11am until late Mon to Sun with beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks. Great for friends and family who wish to soak in Rarotonga's warm sunshine with cold cold drinks!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Facial treatments
Paid wifi
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Foot massage
Manicure
Pedicure
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
ATM on site
First aid kit
24-hour check-in
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Telephone
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Wardrobe / closet
Iron
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
Languages Spoken
English
301Reviews11Q+A53Room tips
Traveler rating
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saipan1 wrote a review Dec 2023
Irvine, California525 contributions75 helpful votes
I chose the islander based on location. right across from airport and close to shipping companies. i booked the room on a 3rd party website. check in was easy. room was very clean and a nice bathroom. plenty of hot water. to get on the wifi i had to go to the grocery store, 20 min walk. i think it was 25 NZD for 30GB and valid for 7 days. took a few tries but i got on. the hot spot is in the lobby but i had the range to get it in my room. breakfast was included, not buffet but off the menu. it was pretty good. the only downside is that it can be a little noisy from the bar and dining area. but by midnight its all quiet. not a deal breaker for me but it could bother some. staff was great and helpful i would stay again if i return to rarotonga
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Mike wrote a review Sep 2023
Christchurch, New Zealand47 contributions3 helpful votes
Despite the restaurant being advertised across various media as opening at 5pm and 5:30pm, the day we arrived we were told the chef was tired and didn’t want to cook anything until 6pm. We got moved tables twice with no reason given. The staff were rude and seemed uninterested in our custom. The Hula Bar next door was the same. The bartender was more interested in chatting up the 5 females at the bar instead of serving up drinks to other customers who were waiting patiently to be acknowledged. Poor service, bad vibes. Go elsewhere as there are lots of other places only too happy to see tourists.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Avoid altogether. This place only has customers as it’s across the road from the Airport....
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Rohan Ellis, Owner at The Islander Hotel
Responded Sep 10, 2023
Kia Orana, we are so sorry for your poor service experience. If our kitchen was delayed in dinner service, it would be a result of a super busy lunch (400+ covers) and the kitchen completely out of stocks. The chefs need time to restock their supplies for the dinner service which commenced just after 6pm. However, our service team should not have ignored your table on arrival. Again, our sincere apologies. Kia Manuia.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Olivia wrote a review Aug 2023
Whangarei, New Zealand3 contributions
Would definitely recommend this hotel, bar and restaurant! Food and accommodation was brilliant! Breakfast was included in the stay! And staff were next level lovely!! Would definitely recommend Islander night! A must do!!! Thanks for the stay! :)
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Rohan Ellis, Owner at The Islander Hotel
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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JK3910 wrote a review Aug 2023
95 contributions66 helpful votes
We decided on this hotel due to its proximity to the airport as we had an early morning flight. The room and bed were fine, clean and comfortable, and we didn't notice the noise too much. It was just a shame that the restarant staff were so slow in taking and bringing dinner and drink orders. Breaksfast is included in the room price but it is also a shame that breakfast starts quite late. So if you have a flight before 9.00am, you will probably miss out.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Rohan Ellis, Owner at The Islander Hotel
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We will have our service team speed up service to tables. Breakfast starts at 8am to 10.30am daily. Early departing guests can request a tropical breakfast plate delivered to their room the night before. Thank you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Vicky Eastwood wrote a review Jul 2023
Christchurch, New Zealand11 contributions2 helpful votes
To Nana: The Islander hotel/Bar Thank you so much for helping out in a dire situation. I lost my passport with c.card and other documents inside. Alone I headed to the Police station, saying good bye to my 3 friends to carry on flying home, the station was some 5-8 km away to report it. I dragged my bag along the main road, 30 degrees, spotted the Islander, went in to take a break, and a very kind gorgy man, perhaps the manager, he asked if he could help me. I didn't think anyone could help me at this point, plane an hour and a half late. He is called Nana, instructed another gorgy young man to take me to the police station. The culture is just gorgeous, the air port staff Lynn Karati came to the airport and picked me up and stated we'll get you on that flight. Unbelievable, beautiful people. Thank you to The Islander Hotel, Nana, Lynn, Raro airport and the young man I cannot remember his name. A culture to be proud of, the island of Rarotonga is a dream.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Amazing support they gave me, when in times of need.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Rohan Ellis, Owner at The Islander Hotel
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Wikidkiwi wrote a review Jul 2023
Bay of Islands, New Zealand155 contributions39 helpful votes
We didn't stay here but we had quite a long wait between flights from Aitutaki/to Auckland and for $10 ea suitcase this hotel - which is within walking distance to the airport - safely stored our luggage so we could go off and enjoy our last few hours on the island. After checking in our luggage we came back to the hotel and enjoyed a last - very good - coffee and cocktail in pleasant surrounds over-looking the ocean.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Rohan Ellis, Owner at The Islander Hotel
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Thank you for dining with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Karina R wrote a review Apr 2023
Auckland, New Zealand55 contributions16 helpful votes
The food was nice however it was packed up and gone without making an announcement so nobody got a chance to go back for the kai we thought was really yum anyway it didn't have ika mata or seafood salad like at Crown Beach Resort I got 2 prawns but others after me missed out and these didn't get replaced it was rather a sad evening and we left disappointed even before the show started, one staff member was unpleasant when I asked for extra salad and proceeded to hand me a plate piled up with lettuce etc and said IS THAT ENOUGH?! Other wait staff were friendly attentive and helpful,HOWEVER we won't return and will share our experience with friends and family This was our last dinner before we fly out tomorrow but I love this Island and will return to all the other amazing places we were fortunate enough to discover on this stay...
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Rohan Ellis, Owner at The Islander Hotel
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Thank you for dining with us for Island Night. Our island night buffet dinner starts at 7pm and is packed up at 8.15pm to allow stage setup for the cultural show that starts at 8.30pm. Rarotonga has many places for you to dine at when you return. Kia Manuia.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Karen H wrote a review Mar 2023
Surfers Paradise, Australia386 contributions127 helpful votes
This hotel has a purpose it is for when you fly in late at night/early morning or when you are flying out. It is known for its bar and pool. We did not use either. The bed is clean and comfortable the rooms are basic but with a great shower. Hubby got a pizza and didn't think it was all that great. It is noisy as they have loud music and we had the room closest to this. Honestly, that was not a problem. We flew in very late got a few hours of sleep and moved on I would not stay long term but for the location of the airport hard to beat walking a few hundred meters.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Great for a quick stopover
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Rohan Ellis, Owner at The Islander Hotel
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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kiwicarole wrote a review Feb 2023
Wellington, New Zealand155 contributions21 helpful votes
The hotel is handy to the airport and the staff are absolutely delightful and very friendly and helpful. The rooms are basic but spacious and comfortable The only down side for me is the pool being in the centre of the restaurant and no sun loungers The hula bar on-site is pleasant and has a great happy hour Internet has to be paid for separately by purchasing a voucher but this is common in the Cook Islands The breakfast I had was great
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip: Parking appeared limited but the hotel is small so most likely adequate for the number of...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Rohan Ellis, Owner at The Islander Hotel
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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NJV wrote a review Jan 2023
Auckland, New Zealand7 contributions2 helpful votes
We went to the Island night with my family. They throughly enjoyed getting a taste of the culture and the local food. Very entertaining and the food was very good. Better then others I have had at other island nights. Will definetely be back Meitaki
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Rohan Ellis, Owner at The Islander Hotel
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Thank you for dining at our Island Night Buffet Dinner and Cultural Show with Fire Dancers.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
$149 - $177 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
aquarius rarotonga avarua
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Aquarius Rarotonga
LOCATION
Cook IslandsSouthern Cook IslandsRarotongaAvarua
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE ISLANDER HOTEL $133 ($̶1̶6̶3̶) - Prices & Reviews - Avarua, Cook Islands

Frequently Asked Questions about The Islander Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Islander Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Tik-e Tours (2.6 miles), Aroa Marine Reserve (4.2 miles), and Cook Island Christian Church (CICC) (3.0 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Islander Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at The Islander Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at The Islander Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Islander Hotel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Islander Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Beluga, The Waffle Shack, and Vili's Burger Joint.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Islander Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does The Islander Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, The Islander Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Islander Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are there any historical sites close to The Islander Hotel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Wreck of the Matai (1.4 miles).
Does The Islander Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.