Low fares to the Cook Islands are creating a buzz in the travel industry, with Beat of Hawaii reporting that flights are available for approximately $250 each way using Atmos points. This presents significant savings for travelers, potentially boosting tourism traffic between Hawaii and the Cook Islands.
This price advantage comes as Hawaiian Airlines adjusts its operational schedule to its Cook Islands service, operating one weekly flight from Honolulu to Rarotonga with an Airbus A321neo. AeroRoutes highlighted that the Rarotonga service will depart in the afternoon, effective June 15, 2025. This change will likely streamline travel logistics for passengers.
Further solidifying the connection between these destinations, the new seasonal non-stop flight between Christchurch and Rarotonga, set to launch by Air New Zealand between May and October 2026, could also indirectly impact Hawaiian tourism as it opens up another route for travelers to potentially connect through the Cook Islands. RNZ News reports that the seasonal service will operate up to three times per week, adding 18,000 seats.
For Hawaii-based businesses, this presents an opportunity. Travel agencies, hotels, and related services could experience increased demand as more travelers capitalize on these lower fares. Moreover, the improved schedule could facilitate easier inter-island travel for Cook Islands residents and Hawaiians, thus expanding the scope for business and cultural exchange. According to Beat of Hawaii, travelers can further benefit from deals, with some round-trip fares from Honolulu to the Cook Islands potentially costing as low as $646.
