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Cook Islands Library & Museum: A Cultural Treasure Trove

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Explore Cook Islands history and culture through fascinating artifacts, rare books, and historical exhibits in the heart of Avarua.

Discover the rich history and culture of the Cook Islands at the Cook Islands Library & Museum in Avarua. Explore fascinating exhibits of artifacts, books, and historical items that tell the story of this island nation.

A brief summary to Cook Islands Library & Museum

  • Monday 9 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
  • Friday 9 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as the museum has limited hours and is closed on Sundays.
  • A small entry fee applies to support the museum's preservation efforts.
  • Photography restrictions may be in place inside the museum, so ask for permission before taking photos.
  • Consider purchasing local reference books or donating used reading materials to support the library.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cook Islands Library & Museum is located on Makea Tinirau Road in Avarua, a short walk from the main business center. From the Punanga Nui Market, walk east along the main road (Makea Tinirau Rd) for about 5-10 minutes. The library and museum will be on your left, set back from the road in a park-like setting. There are no sidewalks for a small portion of the walk.

  • Public Transport

    The Clockwise and Anti-Clockwise buses circle the island and stop along the main road. Catch either bus from any point on the main road in Avarua and ask the driver to stop near the Cook Islands Library & Museum on Makea Tinirau Road. The bus fare is approximately NZ$3-13. Buses operate every hour from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available on Rarotonga and can be booked in advance. A taxi from Avarua to the Cook Islands Library & Museum is a short ride. Taxi fares are approximately NZ$3 per kilometer, with a minimum day fare of NZ$10. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Cook Islands Library & Museum

The Cook Islands Library & Museum, located in Avarua, Rarotonga, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and culture of the Cook Islands. Founded in 1963, the museum and library offer visitors a glimpse into the traditions, customs, and daily life of the Cook Islands people. The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that narrate the story of the Cook Islands from ancient times to the present day. Exhibits include ceremonial items, traditional cooking utensils, weaponry, and intricate shell displays. Maritime exhibits showcase vaka (canoes) and a historic anchor. The library houses a collection of rare books and historical texts related to the Cook Islands and the Pacific region. The Cook Islands Library and Museum Society, a private organization, manages the library and museum. The first library in the Cook Islands was a mobile library housed in a bus in the 1950s. In the early 1960s, community leaders established a permanent facility. Architect Ken Mills designed the building, which opened on December 22, 1964. The library and museum are centrally located in a parkland with exotic and indigenous trees, near Rarotonga's oldest historic buildings from the early missionary period.

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