Hospital Hill: The best view of Rarotonga you can get in jandals!

Sarah Steiner

4 years ago

We reckon we have found it. The best view in Rarotonga that you can get while wearing jandals!

I’d still class it as one of the hiking trails in Rarotonga (claim it!) but the beauty about this track is that it’s short. It’s clear. And you don’t need to go all out with hiking boots or even sneakers.

If you are visiting Rarotonga on holiday and are short on time allocated to grand hiking adventures (or you are dedicating your tropical holiday to relaxing). Then I would recommend Hospital Hill as a perfectly proportioned energy-for-spectacular-views win.

About Rarotonga Hospital Hill track

Distance: 2km return
Time needed: 30 – 40 minutes
Main township: Nikao, Avarua
Cost: Free
Track difficulty: Easy
Pram/wheelchair access: No
Toilets: There are no toilets on the track
Mobile coverage: There is mobile reception all the way up the track
Location: The track starts at the hospital carpark up the top of Sanatorium Road.

Hospital Hill

The Rarotonga Hospital is located on Sanatorium Road in Nikao, one of the main districts of the islands capital city of Avarua.

The hospital itself is the largest hospital in the country with 80 beds, and facilities comprising of a surgical ward, medical ward, and a small paediatric and maternity ward.

The hospital grounds are situated up high on what is locally known as ‘Hospital Hill’ with a beautiful view looking out over the north west coast of Rarotonga.

There is an impressive view from the top of the narrow and winding Hospital Hill road.

And you can just park your car and find a spot on the grounds there to make the most of being up hill to take in views of Avarua and the Pacific.

But for an even higher glimpse of Rarotonga and the ocean beyond, park your vehicle and take a walk up the Hospital Hill track.

A nurse leaving work down the narrow Hospital Hill road.

About the Hospital Hill track

From the carpark on the hospital grounds you will see a dirt track heading up the hill.

The beginning of the track at this point is wide enough for a vehicle to access.

Note: don’t drive up here. This is only 4WD access for vehicles checking the communications tower on the hilltop!

Take the track and walk for around 100m to a fork in the trail.

To the right you will see part of the comms tower building. Take the path veering to your left and continue walking uphill.

Turn left uphill at the first fork in the track.

From this point it is only around 10 – 15 mins to the top of the hill for a spectacular view out over the northern and north-western side of the island between the shade of random eucalyptus canopy.

The track is not technically difficult at all. It is well worn, and the path is clear (even after a year without overseas tourists).

Take care walking on the trail after rain as the track can be slippery in parts.

A shady patch at the start of the track.

Find the Hospital Hill track

The view from the hospital grounds at the top of the hill is beautiful, looking out over the Pacific Ocean.

But if you are driving around Rarotonga, by car or scooter, it’s easy to park at the hospital and walk the dirt track to the top of the hill.

From the main road, follow the signs in Nikao up to Rarotonga Hospital (Are Maki Rarotonga).

Tip: Park on the left hand side of the hospital building (make sure you are well clear of the emergency and maternity area).

Look for a dirt track heading uphill behind the main hospital buildings and some of the outbuildings to the side.

Beautiful views over Arorangi and the west coast of Rarotonga.

What you need

Footwear: Technically, you can do this track in jandals (thongs/flip-flops – whatever you want to call them), but make sure you do have comfortable footwear as the track can be slippery in parts.
Water: It’s always important to carry enough water for the hike, but especially here in Rarotonga where it is exceptionally humid!
Snacks: There are no shops up Hospital Hill in Rarotonga. The track is only a short hike, but if you are travelling with kids… You know the drill!
Sunblock and a hat: If you are walking up Hospital Hill during the heat of the day this is a must. The track is uncovered and exposed to direct sunlight.
Insect repellent: It’s always recommended to carry some kind of insect repellent on any of Rarotonga’s hikes.
Mobile phone: There is cell phone reception all the way up the Hospital Hill track.
Backpack: It’s only a short walk but you might still need a backpack of some sort to carry all of this in. And to make sure you carry out any rubbish or trace of your walk up Hospital Hill.

There are no rubbish bins so be sure to look after this beautiful patch of Pacific Island treasure.

Getting a fresh nu to drink after walking in the sun.

Have you done the Hospital Hill track in Rarotonga?

Let us know what you think of the balance of walking effort for output of island views!

Accommodation options in Rarotonga

There is a great range of accommodation options in Rarotonga with resorts, hotels and motels, holiday homes and self-catering AirBnB’s.

Resorts in Rarotonga

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, Aro’a
The Edgewater Resort & Spa, Arorangi
Club Raro, Tupapa
Nautilus Resort, Muri
Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Muri

Hotels and motels in Rarotonga

Magic Reef Bungalows, Arorangi
Coral Sands Apartment, Arorangi
Black Pearl at Puaikura, Aro’a
Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel, Titikaveka
Muri Garden Lodge, Muri

Holiday homes and AirBnB

There are loads of amazing options when choosing accommodation in Rarotonga. There is a fantastic range available and each option has different qualities that will make your trip suited just to you.

More about Rarotonga

That’s it for our guide to the Hospital Hill track in Rarotonga but we do have plenty of other guides to local activities, highlights and some of our favourite things to do in the Cook Islands.