The Cook Islands, the South Pacific archipelago nation, lies southwest of Tahiti. Of its 15 islands, the largest is Rarotonga, site of the capital city, Avarua, known for its white-coral churches. At Avarua’s Saturday market, with offerings from black pearls to sarongs, traditional Polynesian drummers and dancers perform. The country’s blue lagoons and extensive reefs make it a popular scuba-diving destination.
