Aitu accomidation

Hi,

My spouse and I will be traveling to the Cook Islands in May/June. We have most of our accommodations/flights settled, but we're still looking for a place to stay in Aitu for 3 nights. We're not really full-service resort people, and I understand that Aitu is more of a bungalo/home-stay type of place.

Can anyone provide recommendations?

Thanks!

I'd recommend Marshal Humphreys' homestay. Low-key, friendly and Marshall is a UK ex-hotelier who knows what it means to be a gracious host.

I've made four visits to Atiu. Stayed twice at Kopeka and twice at Marshal's place. If you like snorkeling be sure and take your own gear. You can swim the coral gardens inside the reef or the area outside near the harbor.

I'd also suggest you take a cave tour with Marshal and a lunch tour with Birdman George. If you like fishing you might ask your host about setting up a trip for tuna, wahoo and mahimahi. The coffee tour was a tad of a ho-hum for us. They also have a marae on the island where Capt. Cook's officers almost became the main course for a feast they attended.

This looks fantastic. Thank you H2ooh! For the cave tour, how deep into the cave do you go? I did a 3 hour cave trip and got a bit claustrophobic in Panama (though part of that was the fear of getting bitten by the many bats). Is proper gear provided?

Edited: Nevermind--just found the tour descriptions and two of them look suitable for us. Thanks, we spoke with Marshall and are booked.

You'll enjoy it. Be careful where you put your hands when looking for support. I unintentionally put mine on a human skull once. There's a swimming hole in the bottom.

The other neat attraction is the little Kopeka birds. They nest in the cave, they can fly in total darkness and use echo location like bats do. They look like little swallows and when they fly outside to feed they never land. Atiu is the only place they're found. I don't think there are any bats in the cave the Kopekas use for nesting.

Marshall is very knowledgeable about the island's history, customs and lore.

Marshal certainly is knowledgable on Atiu. You may also want to consider Atiu Villas, if you are looking to have more of a hotel setting. Atiu Villas has individual villas, that are stocked with food items. In addition there is an on-site restaurant as well as a pool. The owners have lived on the island for over ten years and can arrange cave tours and various activities. It really is up to what you are looking for. I have stayed at Atiu Villas on numerous visits to Atiu and have always enjoyed my stay. I am sure you will enjoy Atiu at either location, but if you are looking for more than a homestay, Atiu Villas would be my choice.

Papa Mike

In the spirit of full disclosure the readers of this forum should know that PapaMike received compensation in the form of free or reduced fees for lodging at Atiu Villas.

There are few secrets in the outer islands of the Cooks.

PapaMike--first let me say that I love your Palau guidebook. We've already booked a place with Marshal as we prefer homestays, but we will keep in mind the Atiu Villas restaurant and tour options.

H2ooh--thanks, as always, for the advice.

My 5 year-old and I spent one week on Atiu in January this year.

Marshall is a good option, but so are Atiu Villas. It depends on your budget and what you want (B&B versus your own little bungalow). It is a small island so you will most likely meet both owners (Marshall/ B&B as well as Roger/ Atiu Villas) anyway.

Enjoy Atiu! It is a magical place.

Thank you zen. Sayler and I have booked with Marshall, but will check out the tour options with Roger. Atiu looks awesome!