Cook Islands vs Fuji

[IPT]

So looking at our honeymmon plans we were thinking Fiji. Of course it isn't cheep, but we knew that going in. Seems like the Cook Islands are a little more reasonable (what if anything am I giving up?). I originally was thinking Taheti but someone recommended the Cook Islands as being more friendly and also having great water.

My Finace is certified to dive, I'm a snorkler. We need a trip to relax, but we would also enjoy Kayaking and maybe even hiking too (that part is optional). For me being able to snorkel out the front door and see some wicked cool SPS and or clams is a big part of the reason for choosing these places vs the Carribbeans.

So, if any of you have been to both places, or have thoughts about or knowledge of the two I'd like to hear them.

Thanks!

 

[Speckled Grouper]

We just recently returned from Micronesia. It is kind of a pain to get there, but so is Cook Islands I imaging. We stayed on Kosrae which is a beautiful little island. Kayaking, hiking and superb diving with visibility up to 150'. The reefs are pristine, full of corals, clams and fish. It is not luxury but the people are laid back, friendly and helpful. The accomodations are clean and functional (internet) and the food is good. The prices are reasonable. I have been meaning to post pictures, just haven't had time.....

 

[IPT]

forgive my ignorance, Micronesia is an island itself or an area? What sort of accomodations did you stay at? You arranged it yourself? Did you explore any other options? If so, what made you settle on the site you went to? You can PM me if you don't want it in the forum but I'd love to hear your thoughts......oh, and post some pictures!

 

[sedgro]

I've been to Rarotonga (Cooks, 2003). Air New Zealand flies there from LAX with a stop in Tahiti. There's a lot to do, people are nice, and no big hotel chains (only locals can own land). The diving (at least around Rarotonga, did not go to Aitutaki) is ok, but the coral growth is nothing compared to Fiji. I even stopped by Chip Boyle's (aka Centropyge boylei) export operation and picked up a few fish to take home with me.

 

[IPT]

So that's one tick for Fiji, and a suggestion to scope Micronesia.

 

[Speckled Grouper]

The part of Micronesia we went to is FSM, the Federated States of Micronesia. Consisting of 4 states which are Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, each has their own attractions. Chuuk is known for Truk Lagoon and Wreck Diving, Yap I think is known for Manta Ray diving and their Stone Money, Pohnpei for the Nan Madol ruins, diving and more. We stayed on Kosrae. Like I was saying before, very small, very laid back. Diving, Snorkling, Hiking, Kayaking, Eating and Sleeping are about the only things to do there. There is no nightlife, none, zero, silch.....

 

[coralreefdoc]

My suggestion would be to check out Bora Bora, near Tahiti, which is also part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. I think you will find it very suitable for your requests. Picture bungalows on wooden posts, rising up from the shallow depths merely yards away from fringing reefs

 

[IPT]

My suggestion would be to check out Bora Bora, near Tahiti, which is also part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. I think you will find it very suitable for your requests. Picture bungalows on wooden posts, rising up from the shallow depths merely yards away from fringing reefs

I was originally thinking bora Bora. It still might be an option too. I got the impression it had become a little more "over-run" with people and tourists than the other places.

The part of Micronesia we went to is FSM, the Federated States of Micronesia. Consisting of 4 states which are Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, each has their own attractions. Chuuk is known for Truk Lagoon and Wreck Diving, Yap I think is known for Manta Ray diving and their Stone Money, Pohnpei for the Nan Madol ruins, diving and more. We stayed on Kosrae. Like I was saying before, very small, very laid back. Diving, Snorkling, Hiking, Kayaking, Eating and Sleeping are about the only things to do there. There is no nightlife, none, zero, silch.....

Thanks

 

[Texas]

I have been looking at another trip for my husband and I and found there are airfare sales right now to Fiji from LAX that make it very reasonable to go there check out some of the travel sites for the Pacific, Destination World, pacificislands are a couple I also found some others from the Air Pacific website that had great prices for 7 night packages. We have been to Fiji and to French Polynesia and it is much less expensive in Fiji than FP. That said there are some pretty good deals to FP if you do a split stay on a couple of islands. Some of the islands are not as commercial as Bora Bora but BB is beautiful. Make sure you sign on for the meal plan if you go to some of the quieter islands because there are not resturants to go out to and food and drinks are very expensive in FP.

Have fun,
p

 

[IPT]

I have been looking at another trip for my husband and I and found there are airfare sales right now to Fiji from LAX that make it very reasonable to go there check out some of the travel sites for the Pacific, Destination World, pacificislands are a couple I also found some others from the Air Pacific website that had great prices for 7 night packages. We have been to Fiji and to French Polynesia and it is much less expensive in Fiji than FP. That said there are some pretty good deals to FP if you do a split stay on a couple of islands. Some of the islands are not as commercial as Bora Bora but BB is beautiful. Make sure you sign on for the meal plan if you go to some of the quieter islands because there are not resturants to go out to and food and drinks are very expensive in FP.

Have fun,
p

Excellent, thanks for the info!

 

[snorvich]

Check out Laucala. For a honeymoon, it could not be more romantic. But NOT cheap.

 

[Sanveann]

We went to the Cook Islands in 2006 and adored it. Rarotonga has more to do and has a more dramatic landscape (it's a volcanic island) ... Aitutaki is more laid-back and doesn't have a lot to do, but the swimming and snorkeling were fantastic. My husband dove several times with Dive Rarotonga and loved it. Didn't dive in Aitutaki, as we weren't there long. Locals were very friendly, everyone speaks English, and prices weren't utterly insane for most things. There is a local market in Avarua, where we would go and get a giant bunch of bananas for like $2 and eat those for breakfast Also, you can buy stunning black pearls there.

We took a flight from LAX to Tahiti to Raro -- really wasn't that bad. I slept most of the way from LA to Tahiti. Tahiti's main island was actually kind of depressing -- just covered in buildings; nothing like the tropical paradise I'd imagined. I've heard Bora Bora is fantastic, but who has $800/night for a hotel!? (And that was in 2006 ... don't even want to know what it must cost now.) Also, looks kind of built-up from the pics I've seen.

Haven't been elsewhere in the Pacific, though Fiji is definitely on our list. I've heard nothing but good things about it.

You might want to check out the Tripadvisor.com forums; lots of helpful people who can advise you on destinations

 

[r-balljunkie]

So looking at our honeymmon plans we were thinking Fiji. Of course it isn't cheep, but we knew that going in. Seems like the Cook Islands are a little more reasonable (what if anything am I giving up?). I originally was thinking Taheti but someone recommended the Cook Islands as being more friendly and also having great water.

My Finace is certified to dive, I'm a snorkler. We need a trip to relax, but we would also enjoy Kayaking and maybe even hiking too (that part is optional). For me being able to snorkel out the front door and see some wicked cool SPS and or clams is a big part of the reason for choosing these places vs the Carribbeans.

So, if any of you have been to both places, or have thoughts about or knowledge of the two I'd like to hear them.

Thanks!

To be very candid, you're wasting your time going to ANY of these places, unless your dive certified. These are diver's havens/paradises. I live in the Marshall islands (not suggesting you come here) so I know firsthand what it's like.

I highly suggest you get scuba certified before coming out here. Your gonna feel left out when your future wife starts to ramble on an on about the eagle rays, turtles, giant clams, sharks etc she has seen, while your piddlin around the kiddy pool with snorkel gear :lolspin:

All seriousness and as mentioned before FSM is not for 5 star accommodations, pampering etc. it's off the beaten path by a metric mile.

Only the most hard core of divers care to venture out to this part of the world, and they are on a mission. dive dive dive.

Good luck in your choice.

I just came back off a Thailand/Vietnam vacation. You might consider Phuket or Samui Thailand as a good meet in the middle spot. i did three dives when I was there, and it was pretty darn cheap. lotsa folks go there to get there dive certification as well.
We stayed at two different resorts, all excellent service.

 

[nrike]

Went to fiji for my honeymoon last year, if your looking for an adventure you got to check out maloloisland.com getting there is the adventure is a 10hr flight 45min drive 1hr boat drive. But once you get there you forget everything. I counted the step from my room to the beach it was Only 15 step. The reef was Amazing just step from my room.