Cook Islands
INIHKD 2026 will take place on the Cook Islands in the heart of Polynesia, a nation rich in culture, natural unspoilt beauty, and resilience. Known for its warm hospitality, stunning lagoons, and vibrant communities, the Cook Islands embody the spirit of connection and ecological balance at the heart of RIEL. There are no high-rise hotels, buildings taller than the tallest coconut tree, or traffic-lights. Just wide-open beaches and clear turquoise lagoons. The Cook Islands’ Indigenous heritage, rooted in deep relationships with land and ocean, offers a powerful context for our conversations on environment, health and healing, language reclamation, and data sovereignty.
Gathering venue
We will gather at the Cook Islands National Auditorium Te Te Are Karioi Nui.
Accommodations
Whether you’d like to enjoy your stay at a beachfront or poolside, we recommend booking your accommodation early, as options on the island fill up quickly.
Rarotonga is small and easy to get around using local transportation (40 minute drive around the island), so staying near the conference venue—the Cook Islands National Auditorium—is not essential.
From hotels and motels to holiday homes and hostels, there’s a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget. Click here for the full list.
Partner hotels
Stay at one of our Partner Hotels and receive an exclusive discount. Enter code “INIHKD” at checkout.
Flights
Book your flights early! With limited airline flights to Rarotonga International Airport, we recommend securing your flight tickets as early as possible.
Keep in mind that your flight may arrive during nighttime hours. Some hotels/resorts may provide airport shuttle services.
Direct flights are available from Auckland with Air New Zealand and Jetstar, from Tahiti with Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti and from Sydney or Brisbane*, Australia with Jetstar Airways. Direct flights are also available from Honolulu, Hawaii with Hawaiian Airlines.
Click here for more information on flight routes, schedules and frequency.
What to do
From lagoon cruising and diving to storytelling cycling tours, Rarotonga has it all! The diversity of this beautiful unspoilt natural terrain means you can craft your ideal laidback, culturally enriching, or adrenaline filled itinerary.
For more activity opportunities, click here.
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Supported by the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, University of Washington
