Rarotonga

　　Rarotonga is the largest island in the Cook Islands, covering a land area of 67 square kilometers with a population of 9,810. It is an oval-shaped volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs, featuring mountainous terrain in the center and plains along the coast. The soil on Rarotonga is very fertile, making it abundant in tropical and subtropical fruits such as citrus. Avarua, located in the central northern part of the island, is the capital and main port of the Cook Islands. Nearby Avarua is another port, while Nikao at the northwest end has an international airport. The island is encircled by a ring road and hosts facilities such as juice canneries and garment factories.

　　Ancient temple foundations and other signs in Tupapa Valley indicate human habitation long ago. The island features the ancient Ara Metua road running parallel to modern highways. The main port and capital of the islands, Avarua, is situated here. Rarotonga’s economy mainly relies on the production of citrus, pineapples, coconuts, bananas, and light industry. Since the establishment of international air routes in 1973, tourism has seen gradual growth. Today, Rarotonga has become a major tourist destination in the Cook Islands, attracting many visitors each year. From the air, Rarotonga resembles a vibrant emerald. The green is so pure that the island’s not particularly expansive white sandy beaches stand out vividly.