Aitutaki versus Atiu?

Hey, all. We're going to be in the Cook Islands for a 6 day stopover in February. We are planning to split our time between Rarotonga and one other island --- realistically that would have to be either Aitutaki or Atiu. Any thoughts on which one would be better from an all-round "taste of the Cook Islands" perspective? Sounds like Atiu is pretty deserted, which would be a pretty cool experience. But we've read that Aitutaki offers several "must-do" activities (like the Lagoon cruise and visit to One Foot Island). Sadly, we can't get to both Aitutaki and Atiu in the short time we have.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

Edited by: penaltybox

Haven't been to Atiu, but Aitutaki was beautiful. Good snorkling, cheap bike rentals to trek around the Island, the only Starbucks in the Cooks started up by an ex-lawyer from LA and her husband. It wasn't as remote as some other islands I've visited, but it was lovely. Plus, you could probably take a tour of the Survivor Cook Islands site on one of the neighbouring motus.
In my experience, "must do" activities are great but the experience is what you make it. You can have great experiences with the locals wherever you are. Depends what you want.

Gillrh, you are joking aren't you about the Starbucks? (Please be a joke.)

OP - The lagoon of Aitutaki is a wonderous sight, haven't been to Atiu.

Starbucks on Aitutaki??... It was only a matter of time, wasn't it?

"Owned by an ex-lawyer from LA and his wife"

Hmmm.... Barry and Jen Rose, of "Coconuts" in Samoa fame??

Here's another vote for Aitutaki(although I didn't do Aitu). The lagoon is glorious - day trips on it are a must. Rent a kayak at Samade's and paddle off to your own little islet - not another person in sight. Hike up to the highest point on the island for great views. Interact with the lovely people and acquire some great memories. We loved it so much we made a return visit and hope to return again.

I LOVE Aitutaki too!! But it all depends on what you want. Aitu is lovely too ,we stayed on the top of the island in the center (MANY years ago) and visited and swam in the caves! Drank bush beer with a group of merry locals......, my mother was asked if either my sister or I would marry our guide!! (I was 20 at the time!!) The lagoon is very narrow and not much beach. Aitutaki as you know has the lagoon which is wonderful...I would advise you to stay on the west coast maybe near the pacific resort!!

Oh, 6 days is definitely too short, even for Rarotonga only!
As I was last year both on Aitutaki and Atiu, I would advice you fly onto Aitutaki this time. The lagoon is incredible and at least one lagoon cruise is a must (do more, if you have time).
And next time (I'm sure you'll want to come back!) go to the Cooks for at least 2 weeks and visit Atiu as well. Your stay will be truly a south Pacific adventure and you will love the tiny island and the people there, as I did.
Have a wonderful journey!

Pretty simple choice: if you like lagoon activities, go to Aitutaki. If you like to explore caves, meet the locals more easily etc., go to Atiu. And Atiu is not "deserted"!. Not many tourists, so deserted as far as tourists, compared to Aitutaki, but plenty of locals live there.

But you'll also have to consider the flight schedules of Air Raro, and how they coincide with the days you will be in the Cooks. Flights to Aitutaki are virtually daily, but not every day to Atiu.