The Islander Hotel

3.0 star property
Beach hotel with outdoor pool, near Punanga Nui Market
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Islander Hotel

Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Outdoor wedding area
Exterior
Cabana Couples | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, individually decorated

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Spa
  • Pool

Explore the area

View in a map
Main Road, Panama, Rarotonga
  • Place, Nikao Beach
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Punanga Nui Market
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Muri Beach
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.)
    ‪3 min walk‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Cabana Couples

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(34 reviews)
  • 484 sq ft
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Rarotonga

Punanga Nui Market is within a mile (2 km) of The Islander Hotel, and other popular sites like Rarotonga Golf Club are within a couple of miles (3 km). This 3-star hotel has 11 guestrooms and offers an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Nikao Beach - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Punanga Nui Market - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Cook Islands Library and Museum - 4 min drive - 2.2 miles
  • Black Rock - 5 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • Muri Beach - 18 min drive - 8.7 miles

Getting around

  • Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.) - 1 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Palace Takeaway - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Ka Kite Cafe - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Trader Jacks Bar & Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Shipwreck Hut - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Tamarind House - ‬5 min drive

About this property

The Islander Hotel

Beach hotel with outdoor pool, near Punanga Nui Market
At The Islander Hotel, guests enjoy a nightclub, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi in public areas. A stay here includes free parking. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with tours or tickets, luggage storage, and dry cleaning/laundry. Other amenities at this beach hotel include meeting rooms, coffee/tea in a common area, and free newspapers.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch LED TVs with satellite channels. Tempur-Pedic beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers. Other standard amenities include electric kettles, ceiling fans, and phones.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, sports massages, Swedish massages, and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 poolside bars
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Concerts/live shows
  • Evening entertainment
  • Nightclub
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • On the bay
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Detox wraps
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Reflexology
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 steps to reach entrance
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No elevator
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Built in 2004
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding
  • Tempur-Pedic mattress

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LED TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Late-night room service
  • Mini-fridge
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: NZD 100
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: NZD 100

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [Islander Hotel's Tiki Bar after 5pm.]
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids, 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding (children may not be eligible for free breakfast)
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 25 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Early check-in fee: NZD 100 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: NZD 100 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 25 per night

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Islander Hotel Rarotonga
Islander Rarotonga
The Islander Hotel Hotel
The Islander Hotel Rarotonga
The Islander Hotel Hotel Rarotonga

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see around The Islander Hotel?

This hotel is located in Rarotonga, a short 7-minute walk from Nikao Beach and also 18 minutes on foot from Punanga Nui Market. You'll also find Rarotonga Golf Club and Cook Islands Library and Museum within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at The Islander Hotel?

As of Nov 27, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Islander Hotel on Dec 7, 2025 start from $121.2, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is there parking available at The Islander Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa at The Islander Hotel?

Spa services at the hotel include Swedish massages, sports massages, reflexology, and detox wraps.

Does The Islander Hotel have a casino?

No, The Islander Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Islander Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Islander Hotel?

This waterfront hotel offers many amenities for couples, including in-room massages as well as an outdoor pool and 2 poolside bars.

Are there hot tubs at The Islander Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Islander Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Islander Hotel serves free cooked-to-order breakfasts each morning from its restaurant.

Does The Islander Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Islander Hotel though service animals are welcome.

Does The Islander Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Islander Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Islander Hotel is Rarotonga (RAR-Rarotonga Intl.), which is within a mile.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Islander Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Islander Hotel.

Does The Islander Hotel host weddings?

There are wedding services available at The Islander Hotel if that's in your vacation plans.

The Islander Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 223 out of 547 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 167 out of 547 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 91 out of 547 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 547 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 547 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Ram

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
TV not working no remote hot water jug not working air conditioner not good not enough hand towels
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Metua

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities
Everything was fine with the room. Just the loud music from the hula bar kept us up late, when trying to sleep for our flight the next morning.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place amazing staff
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a convenient spot. When you come in late from a flight just walk across the road to stay. Also you can leave your bags there after check out for $5 if you want to fill in time before your next flight. It was great too when I returned from a domestic flight and had a long wait for my international flight I sat in the restaurant and had a nice meal and watched the Whales passing by.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A really great find on Raratonga

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place, very short walk from the airport, good food.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Deidre

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very accommodating for a 3am check in and easy
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Adam

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I really wanted to give this place a good rating. First, the positives. - Food: The restaurant was excellent. I ate there a few times and every meal was wonderful. - Bar/Lounge: It's a great environment, looking out on the ocean and sheltered from the full sun most of the day. A nice place to sit and relax with a nice drink. - Room: Room was clean and functional. A little dated but well serviceable nonetheless. - Staff: The staff were all extremely friendly and a pleasure to interact with. Now the bad: - The noise. The damned bloody noise. Despite not mentioning it on the listing and getting a message from the hotel that the party bar is only on one night a week, it was every night until late, right outside the rooms. If you want a party hotel then this is the place. If you want a quiet undisturbed stay or need early nights for any reason then this is not the place for you. - The pool: The pool is bang in the middle of the restaurant, which is quite busy at all the times you might want to relax by the pool. It's not really conducive and nor did it feel comfortable to swim in while restaurant goers were eating their meals right next to the pool. - The airport. It's right near the end of a runway so the departing jets are noisy. I didn't think it would be so bad until the 3AM departures started mid-week. So just after the party bar has shut down and you've finally wound down and got an hour or two of sleep you get woken up by the roar of a large jet taking off.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Chris

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good conveniently placed stay. Bit difficult initially to find entrance to reception from road ( the place just looked like a bar). Good stay overall, nice food and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raewyn Jane

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were so helpful, food choice was great, with everything from fresh fruit, seafood, choice of meats, & pizza, all at reasonable prices. Best of all was the open dining area with views out to sea where we saw whales nearly every day. Highly recommended
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness
I booked this property as had a 3 am flight so wanted to get some sleep before getting to airport at 1am. I would not have booked this property if I knew there was a loud DJ outside the rooms until 11pm. Impossible to sleep until then. On the plus size it has bar with a great view. Saw whales. Overall the staff were generally helpful although we did get mixed messages from different staff members. Appreciated the early check in and breakfast supplied early.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claire, Honolulu

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very close to the airport!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is an ideal transit hotel for stopping on your way if you have a late flight into Rarotonga or if you island hop to one of the outer Cook Islands. The rooms were clean and the shower was hot. Ths staff were frendly and very helpful We ate an evening meal,mine was delicous but hubbys was not as nice as mine . We had a great deal our breakfast was included ,the choice was meal with either tea,coffee or juice . Beware some of the cabanas are located next to Hula bar which has a disco 8pm till 11pm with loud music .
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aileen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff and awesome service. Definitely recomment.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Great vibe
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Walk to the airport

It’s all about location. Walk to and from the airport. The room is clean and comfortable. There is a bar outside the rooms that is noisy. I was able to fall asleep. The staff are all very friendly. Will stay here again I’m sure.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kathryn

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What was a cheap basic but ok hotel for short airport transfers has turned into a loud crass drinking hole for locals, not a pleasant crowd. Tardy wait staff. Rude bar staff. Got No sleep. Couldn’t wait to leave. Will never go back ever.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kathryn

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This cheap overnight airport transfer hotel has become an expensive badly run local nightlife spot for locals. It’s loud! Concert the night we arrived that ran outside our room until after midnight with yahoo crowd. Staff don’t care. We sadly had booked a room on our way home from Aitutaki also so had to torture ourselves both ends of our trip. So much for a few hours sleep!! I also got attacked by fleas on our last 5 hour stay. Hideous place, loud and crass, sloppy staff and terrible service at restaurant. After many ok stays in previous years I was incredibly disappointed as had very low expectations to start with. Expensive stressful and itchy!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Puawai

Disliked: Staff & service
Kia ora, Thank you for having us. We had a few things that could have been better. The customer service was very poor especially from our reception staff. When asking for assistance from reception, the attitude and lack of respect from the elder ladies was disgusting. We did not feel comfortable from the complaints. We asked for assistance for transport and the response was with negative attitude. The room had a tv with no channels and an HDMI input. We called reception to ask if they had a cord to connect our laptop to watch shows and they didn’t even know what an HDMI was. We had been asking the bartender to fill our water bottles up which was very nice and during dinner, we were charged for a glass of water. The food is expensive and we waited a while for our food. We had tsunami warnings a couple of days ago and none of staff knew anything about it and we’re not as alert as we were scared. Over all, the service specifically from reception staff was very poor. We would not recommend this property to
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aileen

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a fantastic stay we had. We absolutely loved our time here, and a huge part of that was due to Bhara and overall staff membes, who made our experience truly amazing. We would love to come back! ​The food options were amazing and affordable, with a great variety to choose from. The functions available were also amazing. We particularly enjoyed the Kuki Jams and the Islander with Akirata dancing group. They added so much to our trip experience
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great overnight stop before flying out.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Really good for a layover between flights
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025