Fiji or Cook Islands?

Which have better beaches? Or which is the best to visit? I can only choose one..

The Yasawas islands in Fiji probably have better beaches and Fiji can be less expensive and has excellent Snorkelling, however the Cook Islands is also really good value and has great Beaches.

Having been to them both I really cant decide which is the best - they are both fantastic, you will love it

Fiji has good beaches on the offshore islands, but they are not that good on the main island.

Been to both - they are quite different surprisingly. If I had to chose I would pick Fiji over Cook Islands if you go to ANY of the outer regions off the main island, my favourite being Vanua Levu (sp?) where Jean Cousteau resort is. However I'd pick Cook Islands over the main island of Fiji. Fiji is better value for money all-round.

I'd say the Cooks every time, particularly if you can make it to Aitutaki as well.

Certainly NOT Rarotonga. Aitutaki is nice.
But in Fiji you have the choice between lots of places on different islands. Caqelai island is just an example.

Just visited both in Jan 07 .. loved both. When you visit the Yasawas, the beaches, snorkeling/diving, atmosphere is great, very relaxing, beautiful water, rugged mountain islands (some of them). In the Yasawas, aside from "village visits" arranged for tourists, you will not see or be among any Fijians, except those that work at your accomodation. I thought the off beach snorkeling was better in Fiji.

If I had to choose, I would return to the Cooks - more variety. I liked Rarotonga - it was fun buzzing around on a motorscootor, visiting the shops, and Muri Beach is gorgeous - the island is small so you can get around and visit all sides, snorkel, dive, and do the cross island hike. I also spent 5 days on Aituaki's lagoon ... and this was paradise ... kayaked (our guesthouse had them free) visiting uninhabited islands, went to the town church service, rented a scooter, lagoon cruise to One Foot Island - which is your tropical island vision come true. The Cook Islands are your " tropical beach" vacation and more.

You will love either one.

If I were you, I wouldn't equate the Yasawas with Fiji.

Not Rarotonga. Although I used to love the place the lagoon is now severely polluted. I know too much about it to visit again until they start to do something about it. It is now so bad that it's impossible to keep it out of the local papers although for some reason most tourists are still in the dark.

Fiji has beautiful beaches if you avoid the main island of Viti Levu. Around Nadi is rubbish and the Coral Coast now has no coral to speak of. It's dead - pollution again.