The Crucial Clothing Etiquette Tourists Need To Follow While In The Cook Islands

Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are a tropical paradise made up of 15 idyllic islands spread over 770,000 square miles of ocean. Known for their pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, some of the prettiest waters in the world, and warm Polynesian culture, the islands combine the best of a sunshine-fueled tropical vacation and locally-infused charm — with unspoiled natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and cultural diversity to boot.

However, while the Cook Islands may seem like a tropical paradise that's all about laid-back and rule-free island living, the truth is there are still various customs and etiquettes that visitors should be aware of — particularly when it comes to clothing. For starters, it's worth noting that half of the local population is Christian — which was introduced in the early 19th century courtesy of British missionaries. This influence, as you might have guessed, directly shaped local norms and values, ultimately transforming them to reflect a more conservative outlook that's still prevalent today.

That said — and considering the islands' rich cultural heritage — it's no surprise that the Cook Islands would maintain a generally conservative dress code, especially outside of resort areas. This means that, while swimwear is perfectly acceptable on the beach or by the pool, it's considered disrespectful to wear these items when walking through town, visiting local shops, or dining at restaurants.

When it comes to planning your Cook Islands getaway, it's important to keep in mind that your clothing choices and attire will matter beyond the beach. Even if you're mainly planning to spend your days lounging the hours away at some of the best beaches in the world, packing nothing else but a swimsuit and a last-minute cover-up won't get you very far if you're hoping to soak up more than just the sun. After all, you wouldn't want to get caught in an uncomfortable situation that inadvertently upsets and offends the locals, right? Especially considering you're a visitor in their home. The solution? Pack all of the bikinis and speedos you want, but make sure you save those (and the shirtless romping) for the beach — and always, always cover up while you're away from the water.

As a general rule of thumb, visitors are largely encouraged to dress modestly — aka, keeping yourself reasonably covered up — while visiting public and communal spaces, like markets, churches, and local villages. If you're still confused in terms of attire, you can basically take this to mean no bikini tops, short shorts, or bare chests while you're out and about. Oh, and while we're on the subject of "bareness," it's also worth mentioning that topless sunbathing is strongly frowned upon and will cause offense.

A relatively underrated bucket list-worthy destination, the Cook Islands offer a perfect blend of tropical paradise and cultural richness that just can't be beat. That said, when it comes to packing for your trip, it's important to strike a healthy balance between beach-ready attire and more respectful clothing for exploring local gems.

Specifically, for beach and resort areas, standard swimwear is perfectly acceptable — so go ahead and pack your favorite swimsuits, board shorts, and cover-ups. Along with that, make sure you also bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Pacific sun. Hoping to stay active during your visit? With plenty of hikes, bike trails, and more to choose from, make sure you also pack some comfortable workout clothes: Leggings, athletic shorts, and tank tops are all great options.

On the other end of the clothing spectrum, when it comes to venturing out into the local towns or villages for a bite or a cultural tour, you'll want to opt for a completely different attire. Ideally, women should pack lightweight dresses or skirts that fall below the knee, as well as tops that cover the shoulders. As for men, collared shirts or T-shirts paired with longer shorts or lightweight trousers are appropriate for daytime and nighttime activities.