Cook Islands are a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean which is well known for its natural beauty. These islands are located between Fiji and French Polynesia and are named after their explorer, James Cook. There are a total of 15 islands spread over a large area which are divided into North islands and South islands. The North islands mainly consist of coral atolls where the palm trees grow. The South islands have rich fertile soils and are covered with rainforests. Cook Islands are literally a paradise with white sands and pristine beaches that attracts many tourists each year. However, apart from a handful of people, there are few who know about these cluster of islands. Here are few facts about the Cook Islands that you didn’t know about.

Any place in Rarotonga is only 20 minutes away

Rarotonga is the main island of Cook Islands where its capital Avarua is located. Rarotonga is only 32 kilometers around and therefore no place is very far away. Plus, it’s got roads that circumnavigates the entire island which makes it easy for you travel to any place within 20 minutes.

The law states that the buildings in Cook Islands cannot be taller than a coconut tree

Several island countries have paved the way for urbanization and are dotted with tall buildings and skyscrapers today. But the Cook Islands have found the perfect balance modernism and preservation of natural beauty and resources. The law in the Cook Islands does not allow any of the buildings to be taller than the coconut trees and therefore there is no such thing as a high rise building in Cook Island. This one of the coolest facts about the Cook Islands that makes it unique among so many other island countries.

The Cook Islands is devoid poisonous snakes and spiders

Cook Islands is the perfect vacation destination for people who do not like creepy crawlies because these islands do not have any poisonous spiders or snakes. You can explore the entire island without being afraid of being bitten by a venomous serpent or spider. You can comfortably walk and explore the lush green rainforests and waterfalls and traverse the grass tracks towards the lagoon without any phobia.

Cook Islands is the second largest producer of black pearls

The Cook Islands are famous for producing black pearls and are only second to the largest producer which is the Tahiti Island of French Polynesia. The majority of the black pearls are produced commercially in farms on the remote islands of Manihiki which is around the 1299 kilometers away from the main island Rarotonga.

Dancing is an eminent part of Cook Island culture

The people of Cook Islands are amazing dancers and are skilled at performing the fast and sensual dance Ura. Dancing is deep rooted in the culture of Cook Islands and yearly dancing competitions and events are held on a regular basis. The locals are proud of their dancing skills and claim to have the second fastest Hula in the world.

You cannot get fast food on Cook Islands

This is because there are no fast food chains like McDonalds or KFC on the Cook Islands. This is a way in which the island has remained authentic by sticking to and promoting its local cuisines. The fresh local fruits, vegetables and readily available seafood is used to make the local dishes which mouthwatering and delicious. But don’t worry, if you feel like fast food, a few places in Rarotonga do offer the local alternative to a burger.

The maximum driving speed is 50 km/hour on Cook Islands

The Cook Islands comprises of small islands where the people enjoy a relaxed way of life. Therefore, there is no need to hurry to go to any place since everything is close. The speed limit on the roads is 30 km/hour with the maximum being 50 km/hour on the less populated stretches.