A South Pacific Dream Destination
Rarotonga is the largest of the 15 Cook Islands, named after Captain Cook, who famously spotted them in his South Pacific voyages in the late 18th century. Long a favorite with sailors, Rarotonga, with its volcanic landscape of jagged peaks and deep valleys, is the only mountainous island in the Cook Islands. Its interior is mostly lush rainforest, and miles of white-sand beaches and an uncommonly clear lagoon fringe its shore.

View Larger Map

The Global Volunteers program on Rarotonga is showcased in the 2009 ISLANDS Blue List for its focus on "voluntourism" -- a growing trend in combining volunteering with tourism. Contributing editor Jad Davenport took part in the program, helping efforts on the island to save from extinction the native tchee-kakerori bird. The experience opened his eyes to voluntourism as a better, more immersive way to travel. Read the full story.

Fly on Air New Zealand's once-per-week direct flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga. airnewzealand.com

Stay beachfront at the Sea Change Villas, where one- and two- bedroom villas have their own private decks and swimming pools. sea-change-rarotonga.com

Eat whatever fresh catch is featured on the blackboard at the Vaima Restaurant. Hope the seared tuna is available.

Volunteer with Global Volunteers in a three-week program in the Cook Islands that offers a variety of opportunities to give back, from tracking birds in the Takitumu Conservation area to helping a local college with its Web site to preparing exhibits at a whale research center. globalvolunteers.org

Bus it. There are two buses (clockwise and counter clockwise) that make the island very easy to get around. Buses are much safer than renting a moped or scooter, but if you do, wear your helmet! Remember to bring your home-country driver's license to the police station, as you'll need a Cook Islands license (makes a great take-home souvenir).

Learn more at cookislands.travel.