Rarotonga What Is Known For

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.