Having just spent two weeks in Rarotonga, and having spent two weeks here in February, I'd definitely recommend Raro as a great short holiday spot!

The weather is usually pretty good-tropical in nature so expect some showers, but warm and sunny.  Kara thought that two weeks was a bit long, as Rarontonga is only 30 km (19 mi) around.  Not across, around.  And she's probably right.  A few days of lying around on the beach, doing some swimming and snorkelling, drinking Pina Colada's is often just what we need.  Much more than 4 or 5 days of that and I think you'd start to look for something a little more exciting.

Despite it's small size, there are opportunities for more exciting--things like the Cross-Island walk.  Little hint--don't do this in the pouring rain, it lessens your enjoyment, and it may wipe out obvious signs of the the trail forcing you to get 3/4 of the way through it and then have to backtrack all the way back out.  I'm just saying . . .

Being so dependent on tourism, there are ample opportunities for things like reef snorkelling and scuba diving.  There are day trips to the outer islands.  But some of those things may be out of range for the budget conscious.  But there is some lower level stuff to do as well.  I can recommend Captain Tama's for a good price on kayak rentals etc.  on Muri Beach (good snorkelling there BTW).  Make sure you do at least one of the various "Island Nights" that most of the resorts and restaurants run--some good umu-cooked traditional foods and a good show.  Avoid the blue cocktails at the Rarotongan--they really pack a wallop.

Even better than all of this stuff though is the people.  In the four weeks I've been here, everyone I've been working with has been incredibly nice and helpful.  Recommendations for places to go/things to do/which direction to the cross-island walk to letting me play on their basketball team while I was here.  While being away from home for two weeks this last time has been a bit lonely and draining, the people here have definitely helped make it a much better time than it would have been.

Again, I'd highly recommend you get here if you can!

jf