Raemaru is a mountain on the west coast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The peak of Raemaru is 350 meters above sea level making the Raemaru Trek one of the most accessible on the island. Legend says Raemaru’s top was stolen and taken to Aitutaki…
More about that later, but thus, Raemaru is a great choice for an island hike being the (now) easiest peak to climb on Rarotonga!
Quick facts about Raemaru Hike
- Distance: 3.1km return
- Elevation: 350m
- Time needed: 2 hours (allow longer if climbing the rockface at the top)
- Main township: Arorangi
- Cost: Free. There is no current charge to walk the track.
- Track difficulty: Intermediate
- Pram/wheelchair access: No
- Toilets: There are no toilets on the track
- Mobile coverage: There is mobile reception most of the way and a strong signal along the ridgeline
- Location: The track starts at the end of Raemaru Heights Road; of the back road in Arorangi.
The legend of Raemaru
Raemaru is on the western side of Rarotonga in the vaka district of Puaikura now known as Arorangi.
According to local legends, Raemaru was once the tallest mountain on Rarotonga and used to be called Maru.
The fame of this majestic mountain reached as far as the island of Aitutaki. Aituktaki was completely flat then, so at night they sent some warriors to steal the mountain of Raemaru for their own island. Aitutakian warriors came to Rarotonga and cut the top off the mountain to take it back to Aitutaki.
Now, Raemaru has a flat top and Aitutaki has a small mountain name Maunga Pu.
An interesting legend to ponder while you walk!
The Raemaru Trek
The start of the hike begins easily.
The trail winds under twisted branches that have formed a natural tunnel and emerges out into thick jungle canopy.
The scale of this inland jungle is breathtaking; taro leaves are nearly human size and vines twist and wind up and up to the highest tree-tops.
Keep an eye out for the orange triangle trail markers to let you know you are on the right path. The trail is overgrown with long grass and branches in parts.
There is root scrambling in parts where the tree roots assist by creating a natural ladder in sections of the track.
About 15 minutes into the trek as the path continues upwards you will suddenly hear the sound of the ocean.
Views from the first peep out over the jungle canopy make it the perfect place to stop and catch your breath while taking it all in. There’s ocean views to one side and mountainous jungle to the other.
The inland environment of Rarotonga is truly breathtaking.
From the ridgeline
Nearing the top of the Raemaru Trek the ridgeline extends for one kilometer along the top.
Take care on the narrow sections of track here and enjoy the thundering sound of waves crashing on the reef and the sight of the Arorangi CICC church and other recognizable features of the western vaka of Puaikura.
At the end of the ridgeline is the Raemaru rock face which leaves you with the decision; to climb or not to climb? This is a 15 metre rock climb to the peak of the mountain.
Heavy ropes and steel bars are bolted into the rock to facilitate the climb.
I’ll leave that up to you!
Hiking the Raemaru Trek with kids
We found the Raemaru Trek to be a good choice to do with the kids.
It is much easier/less challenging than the more famous Cross Island Walk to The Needle. Yet the views from the ridgeline summit are spectacular.
Lengthwise it is a great choice for a hike in Rarotonga with kids. And technically the track is not particularly challenging, bar a couple of spots along the ridgeline where the trail is narrow.
There is plenty to see along the trail that will keep kids entertained; butterflies, millipedes, ants and marvelous views out over Arorangi to sights that are recognizable from up above.
Overall, this is a great choice for a family friendly island hike.
Find the Raemaru Track
From the main island ring road locate the Friendly Mart Convenience Store in Arorangi. Take the inland road next to the store and follow the yellow road signs marked ‘Raemaru Trek’.
At the inland intersection, turn right onto the backroad.
In 80m, take another inland road (Raemaru Heights) alongside the yellow Raemaru sign.
Follow this road until you come to the start of the trek. Park on the side of the road here and out of the way of inland residents who use the thoroughfare here.
The track starting point
The trailhead itself is quite difficult to find (note: even though now signposted).
Once parked and walking you need to take a right turn off the larger road-size farm track to enter the start of the Raemaru Trek.
Look out for the new signs signaling the start of the track. And turn right here – at the signs. The right-turn arrow is not obvious, but this is beginning of the track.
If you are walking for more than 10 minutes and have not started ascending through a thick forest you have missed the track!
QR Code self-guided tour
A self-guided tour of the Raemaru Trek is available using QR codes.
All you need to access this is a smartphone with a Vodafone visitor SIM card. (A visitor SIM card can be purchased at the airport on arrival or at the Vodafone store in Avarua).
There is no charge for the QR code tour.
Turn RIGHT immediately to start the track when you see this sign. (Do not walk past it!).
What to take
- Sturdy footwear: The track is slippery in parts. You will need to ensure you have suitable footwear. Sneakers or hiking boots would be recommended.
- Water: It’s always important to carry enough water for the hike, but especially here in Rarotonga where it is exceptionally humid!
- Snacks and food: There are no shops near the start of the hike so be sure to plan ahead and carry snacks with you. (The nearest shop would be on the main island ring-road before turning inland to the start of the trek).
- Sunblock and a hat: A lot of the walk is covered under jungle but there are parts at the start that are reached by the sun.
- Insect repellent: Pack insect repellent with you and if possible, a tropical strength deterrent with DEET.
- Mobile phone: Coverage throughout the track is not entirely reliable, however there is reception at the ridgeline near the top of the track.
- Backpack: Obviously, you need a backpack of some sort to carry all of this in. But you also need to make sure you carry out any rubbish or trace of your hike on the beautiful Raemaru Track.
There are no rubbish bins so be sure to look after this beautiful patch of Pacific Island treasure.
Note: I would also recommend long socks or pants for the hike as the track is fairly overgrown in places and the long grass can be irritating to little (or any) legs.
