Palmerston Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Aerial view of tropical beach with turquoise water and lush trees, Palmerston Island, Cook Islands.
Aerial view of tropical beach with turquoise water and lush trees, Palmerston Island, Cook Islands.
Cook Islands. Palmerston Island, a classic atoll, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774. Current population of 62 people, are all descendants of William Marsters (aka Masters).
Cook Islands. Palmerston Island, a classic atoll, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774. Current population of 62 people, are all descendants of William Marsters (aka Masters).
Palmerston Island is another of those very hard to reach places. A delivery ship stops by once or twice a year and some cruising yachts visit.

The population was 52 when we visited in 2010.  Everyone's last name is Marsters, all descendants of William Marsters  who moved to the deserted island in the 1800's with his 3 wives.

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The Edgewater Resort & Spa

The Edgewater Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Avarua Rarotonga
The price is AU$215 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
AU$215
17 Mar - 18 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Ocean view but uncomfortable couch and beds had no bed heads so pillows slipped away. Decor was aged. Staff were friendly though. I thought overpriced for the state of the unit.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

The Edgewater Resort & Spa
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

4 out of 5
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi Rarotonga
The price is AU$259 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
AU$259
13 Mar - 14 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities in ...
8/10 Very Good! (521 reviews)
Wifi unreliable. Tv channels advertised not available. Bar staff service lacking.

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only

3 out of 5
Ara Tapu Rarotonga
The price is AU$181 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
AU$181
14 Mar - 15 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
We had a fantastic stay, we were here for 7 nights they catered to all our needs, even did a special happy honeymoon sign for us in our room. The van driver gave us great tips.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Club Raro Resort – Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kia Orana Villas and Spa

Kia Orana Villas and Spa

4 out of 5
2 Ariki Road Rarotonga
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
Room was great. Staff was amazing and Joe was kind allowing us to have breakfast earlier thank opening time on our first morning.

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025

Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Tropical Sands

Tropical Sands

3 out of 5
Muri Village (4 minutes away) Rarotonga
Stay at this beach apartment in Rarotonga. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Popular attractions Muri Beach and Avana Harbour are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (127 reviews)
I would not recommend staying here unless you enjoy being treated like an unwanted house guest. We were made to feel uncomfortable and unwelcome multiple times by the two owners. Also, the villa was not clean (mould in kitchen draws and on utensils, dead insects on bed frame, dirty floor). To top ...

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Tropical Sands
Ocean Escape Resort&Spa

Ocean Escape Resort&Spa

4 out of 5
1 Ara Tapu, Turangi Village Rarotonga Rarotonga
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Rarotonga. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Muri Beach and Avana Harbour are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Ocean view. Had the place to ourselves as its low season the staff were so good and the resort was stunning!

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Ocean Escape Resort&Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.