By Ann Oldenburg
Ever dream of escaping to a faraway paradise? The Cook Islands in the South Pacific, a group of 15 small isles west of Tahiti, might fit the bill nicely.
History
Named after explorer James Cook, who charted them in the 1700s, the Cook Islands were once annexed to New Zealand. They are now self-governing.
Where are they?
The Cook Islands are halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, a two-hour flight from Tahiti and a 10-hour flight from Los Angeles. They are in the same time zone as Hawaii, two hours earlier than California.
Why go?
Often described as Hawaii of 50 years ago, the Cook Islands are cheaper and more laid back than neighboring Tahiti. Accommodations are plentiful, but there are no high-rise hotels and not a single stoplight on its biggest island, Rarotonga.
Activities
Blue lagoons, white sandy beaches and friendly Polynesians await tourists. Scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing are among the popular sports, as well as hiking and bicycling.
Food and Entertainment
Most of the restaurants take advantage of the fresh fish available, including sailfish, swordfish, tuna and mahi-mahi. Lamb, steak and other meats are flown in from New Zealand. Not to be missed: resorts offer "Island Night" shows that include drum dancing and hip-swiveling hura dancing, similar to Hawaii's hula dances.
Other islands
The second largest island in the Cooks, Aitutaki, is a 45-minute flight from Rarotonga and listed in Steve Davey's "Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die." Why? Its got a big, beautiful turquoise lagoon. The other islands offer a more remote experience.
Resources
About the Author:
Based in the Washington, D.C. area, Ann Oldenburg has been a reporter/editor/author since 1990. She has written for publications including "The Washington Post," "USA TODAY" and "TV Guide." She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Florida.
