Palm Grove, Rarotonga - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

Po Box 23 Main Road Vaimaanga, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Palm Grove is a midrange resort located on Rarotonga's stunning southern coast, renowned for its picture-perfect beachfront and tranquil lagoon. The resort features 22 self-contained bungalows within five acres of landscaped beachfront and gardens, offering guests a blend of space, privacy, and convenient amenities. Its award-winning onsite restaurant, The Yellow Hibiscus, has been serving quality Pacific cuisine since 1986, making it an iconic dining destination on the island.

Location

Situated along Rarotonga's beautiful Southern coast, Palm Grove is only a short drive from Avarua, the island's main township. The proximity to stunning beaches like Muri Beach allows guests to access a wide range of water activities. The resort's location is serviced by local bus routes, and airport transfers can be easily arranged, providing convenient travel options for visitors.

Rooms

The resort offers a variety of bungalows designed for couples, families, and groups, including Beachfront Studios and Two and Three Bedroom houses. Each accommodation is equipped with modern amenities like full kitchens, air conditioning, and private outdoor areas, while Beachfront locations boast stunning ocean views. The layout flexibility ensures guests find suitable lodging for their specific needs.

Eat & Drink

Dining at Palm Grove is anchored by The Yellow Hibiscus, which offers open-air meals overlooking lush gardens. The restaurant serves a tropical breakfast buffet daily, featuring fresh local ingredients in its Pacific-rim fare. Guests can also enjoy BBQ nights and a variety of a la carte options during dinner, complemented by live music several evenings a week.

Leisure & Business

The resort provides access to a freshwater swimming pool, complimentary snorkel equipment, and kayaks for guests to explore the crystal-clear lagoon. Activities like diving, hiking, and cultural tours are easily arranged, ensuring visitors can immerse themselves in island life. The onsite motorbike rentals offer an adventurous way to navigate Rarotonga's scenic landscapes.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Bungalow Beach Front

Max:

2 persons

50 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Sea view

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Bungalow Garden View

Max:

2 persons

52 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

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Superior Bungalow Garden View

Max:

2 persons

55 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Mountain view

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Rarotonga 4.1 km

Airports

Rarotonga International (RAR) 10.7 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Perfect Bungalow!

“Our beachfront bungalow was equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay, making it easy to enjoy meals at our leisure.” view full review

Relaxing Poolside

“The pool area had plenty of sun-loungers and maintained a perfect temperature, providing a great place to unwind under the sun.” view full review

Comfortable Retreat

“The One Bedroom Superior room was cozy, with a comfortable bed that ensured restful nights, even complemented by effective air conditioning.” view full review

Tasty Breakfasts!

“The complimentary breakfast options, especially the fresh tropical fruits and banana pancakes, were a good way to start each day.” view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
Paid Wi-Fi in public areas
Free parking
Safe deposit box
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Private beach
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Snorkelling
Canoeing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's pool
Toys

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Pool with view
Shallow end

Room features

Air conditioning
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Washing machine
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Location

Po Box 23 Main Road Vaimaanga, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Map view

Po Box 23 Main Road Vaimaanga, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

City landmarks

Waterfall

Wigmore's Waterfall

670 m

Cook Islands

Te Rua Manga

2.9 km

Beach

Turoa beach

770 m

Ara Tapu

Raro Beach Bach

1.4 km

Ara Tapu

Takitumu Conservation Area

2.0 km

Aroa Beach

Aroa Marine Reserve

3.3 km

Good View of Needle

1.9 km

On Ridge 350m

2.0 km

Titikaveka

Maire Nui Botanical Gardens

3.9 km

Te Ko

2.8 km

Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre

2.7 km

Titikaveka

3.2 km

Beach

Aroa Beach

3.2 km

Church

Titikaveka Betel Church

3.1 km

Aro’a Beach

Dive Centre

3.3 km

Seven Day Adventist

3.5 km

Arorangi

Cook Islands Cultural Village

4.3 km

Event hall

Highland Paradise Cultural Centre

3.9 km

Maire Nui Gardens

3.9 km

Ara Tapu

Titikaveka Beach

3.9 km

Avarua District

Arai-Te-Tonga

4.3 km

Raemar

4.1 km

Te Manga

4.0 km

Tikioki Beach

Tikioki Marine Reserve

4.3 km

Marina

Ngatangiia Harbour

4.3 km

Clear View

4.1 km

Zion church

4.2 km

Anatakitaki Cave

4.2 km

Moturakau

4.2 km

Church

Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church

5.6 km

Nearby

Store

Wigmore's Superstore

410 m

Restaurants

Wigmore's Superstore

290 m

Ara Tapu

Coco Latte

440 m

Ara Tapu Takitumu District

Vaima Polynesian Bar and Restaurant

730 m

Vaimaanga

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

80%

liked the resort and would come back again

Beautiful beach

Accommodating staff

Overcooked steak

Minor room issues

8.0/10

Great

Rooms

8.0

Location

9.8

Service

8.4

Dining

6.2

Willis

United States, January 2025

8.2/10

I just returned from an amazing 5-night stay at Palm Grove. The location is simply beautiful, with a peaceful beach and a great lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. The staff were really accommodating, especially when we arrived early and they allowed us to check in without any extra charge. The rooms were comfortable enough, but had some minor issues. The restaurant food was tasty, but I did have a problem with my steak being overcooked. Overall, it was a memorable experience that I would gladly repeat.

Rooms

7.0

The room was basic but adequate, with a comfortable mattress. However, it had a few minor issues like ants and some wear and tear.

Service

9.0

The service from the staff was positive; they were friendly and accommodating throughout our stay.

Location

10.0

The location was serene, right by a calm beach ideal for swimming and kayaking. Plus, it was close to essential amenities.

Dining

7.0

Dining was pleasant with a good variety, though my steak at the BBQ wasn’t cooked as I ordered.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities were well-kept, especially the pool area. The lagoon for snorkeling was a highlight.

Beautiful beach

Overcooked steak

Robert

United States, January 2025

9.0/10

I had a wonderful stay at this resort, where the beach was right at my doorstep, and the staff went above and beyond to help me out. The room was spacious and well-equipped, which made for a comfortable visit. However, I wish the dining options had been a bit more varied, especially for breakfast. Overall, it was a great value for money and a very relaxing getaway.

Rooms

9.0

The room was spacious, equipped with a kitchenette, and the bed was extremely comfortable. I enjoyed the clean and airy environment.

Service

10.0

The staff were always smiling and exceptionally helpful, coordinating car rentals and assisting with any requests we had.

Location

10.0

The location was fantastic, right on the beach with easy access to bus services around the island. It was perfect for relaxing by the water.

Dining

7.0

The dining options were somewhat basic compared to other places, but they offered enough to fill up, including decent breakfast choices.

Facilities

9.0

The resort had a lovely pool area and provided free use of kayaks and snorkeling gear, which was a great bonus.

Great beach access

Limited dining options

Frank

United States, December 2024

8.4/10

Our stay at Palm Grove was simply amazing! The beach was beautiful, and snorkeling was right outside our bungalow. The staff were super helpful, always ready to assist with bookings and recommendations. However, the on-site dining at Yellow Hibiscus didn’t quite meet our expectations, as the service left much to be desired. Overall, it was a relaxing getaway with great amenities, but the restaurant experience was disappointing.

Rooms

8.0

We loved our beachfront bungalow! It was well-equipped, clean, and offered stunning views of the Pacific. However, some areas like the bathroom did show a bit of wear and tear.

Service

9.0

The service was generally very good, especially Tai, who really went out of his way to help us with our bookings. One issue with a missing curtain was resolved quickly, which we appreciated.

Location

10.0

The location was fantastic for swimming and accessing the beach. There were also shops and restaurants within walking distance, making it super convenient.

Dining

5.0

While the breakfast selection was nice, we found the service at the Yellow Hibiscus disappointing. It felt like they didn’t want guests there, which was frustrating.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were great, especially the access to kayaks and snorkeling gear. The pool area was also lovely and well-maintained.

Harry

United States, November 2024

6.4/10

I had a mixed experience at the Palm Grove Resort. While the beachside setting is absolutely stunning and the rooms were spacious and generally comfortable, the service left much to be desired. The dining options were somewhat limited and the breakfast could be more varied. Overall, it was a decent stay, but I expected more given the price we paid.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were spacious and clean, featuring air conditioning, a fan, and a nice bathroom with Pina Colada toiletries.

Service

5.0

The service was far from ideal; staff seemed disengaged and requests for basic supplies felt like a hassle.

Location

9.0

The resort is perfectly situated right by the beach, making it easy to enjoy the stunning views and quick access to the lagoon.

Dining

5.0

Breakfast was adequate but became repetitive quickly; it could use a bit more variety and freshness.

Facilities

6.0

Facilities like the pool were nice, but some areas felt a bit dated and could use a refresh.

Francis

United States, September 2024

8.6/10

Staying at Palm Grove was a fantastic experience. The beachfront location made it easy to enjoy the stunning lagoon and fabulous snorkeling right at our doorstep. The staff was incredibly warm and helpful, making our stay truly special. While the rooms could use a bit of updating, they were comfortable and provided everything we needed. The dining options at the Yellow Hibiscus restaurant offered delicious meals, particularly the fresh seafood, though the breakfast could be improved with more variety.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were comfortable with everything we needed, though they could use a little refresher.

Service

10.0

The staff were amazing—friendly and efficient, always ready to help with our requests.

Location

10.0

The location is perfect with direct access to a beautiful beach and lagoon that was relatively free of stones, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Dining

7.0

The Yellow Hibiscus restaurant served fresh and delicious meals, though breakfast options were a bit basic.

Facilities

8.0

Facilities included kayaks and snorkeling gear which added to our enjoyment, although some spaces felt a bit tired.