Maps of Cook Islands

The north of the island of Rarotonga is the location of the national capital of the Cook Islands – Avarua. When translated from the Maori language, which is a local dialect, the name of the city literally means “two havens”. Indeed, Avarua lies between two harbors – Avarua Harbor and Avatiu Harbor. They are so narrow that they look more like paths in the reefs. In modern times, this settlement is a popular resort destination for foreign tourists, as well as the center of the political and commercial life of the region. Scientific research proves that first settlers on the Cook Islands appeared yet in the 6th century BC. Rarotonga was the first island that became inhabited. After that, people started exploring other islands, slowly spreading across the Cook Islands. Navigators Alvaro de Mendaña y Neira and Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, who arrived from Spain at the end of the 16th century, were the first Europeans who reached the islands. This was not intentional – the navigators simply had to make a stop during their journey. When the Spanish “invaders” left the islands, James Cook arrived. The islands got their name after him. Avarua has an interesting culture that is different from other nations. It is possible to hear music with distinct drum rhythms almost …