Most of us have heard of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, the two main islands of the Cook Islands, but there are actually 15 islands in total - and not all of them are populated.
While their lack of inhabitants might make these islands more attractive to visitors, it does mean they're not that easy to access either.
But once you see just how stunning some of these getaway destinations are, you'll likely be adding at least one to your travel bucket list.
The islands of the Cook Islands:
Rarotonga
With a population of more than 13,000 and sized at 67km square, Rarotonga is by far the largest island within the Cooks. It's also here where the majority of business takes place, and the location of the international airport.
Aitutaki
With a local population of less than 2000, Aitutaki is considerably smaller than Rarotonga, but is the second most populated island and the second most visited Cook Island destination by tourists.
Mangaia
There are just 499 registered residents of Mangaia, an island which reaches a height of 4750m and is thought to be at least 18 million years old.
Pukapuka
Once known as Danger Island, Pukapuka is a five-hour flight from Rarotonga and is actually closer to Samoa. There are rare organised group visits available to the atoll, however these usually depart from Samoa. Despite its tiny size, the island does have a runway.
Atiu
This island is surrounded by a fossilised coral which at some points reaches heights of 30m. It was once home to a thriving coffee exporting industry.
Mauke
The small population here export maire, a plant which is used to make leis. The island isn't overly popular with tourists and only has two budget accommodation providers on the island.
Penrhyn
While Air Rarotonga does operate flights to this atoll, they are reportedly often cancelled either due to lack of passengers or not enough fuel supply in Penrhyn for the aircraft to make the return flight to Rarotonga.
Manihiki
Flying to Manihiki takes about three-and-a-half hours. If you are heading here, plan for a long stay as there's only one flight every two weeks.
Visitors can snorkel or free-dive, but a permit is required should you want to scuba dive.
Rakahanga
There's no tourist accommodation on this island, but homestays can be arranged. There are fortnightly flights from Rarotonga as well as outboard motorboat transport. An airstrip was built in the '80s but was destroyed by a cyclone.
Nassau
Nassau is just 9m above sea level and with no airport, it can take upto three days on a boat to get here.
Palmerston
Despite only having a population of 57, Palmerson has its own council-like administration.
There are six members, one from each of the families on the island, as well as three appointed members. There's even a mayor, his name is Bob Masters.
Just when you thought things couldn't get any more curious on the island of Palmerson, there's also a location known as Scratch My Arse Rock, a spot popular for fishing.
Suwarrow
This island boasts a 100 percent employment rate. It has only two residents, both employed by the government to take care of the island and carry out tasks such as pest control, and customs duties should any yachts arrive. Caretakers spend six months on the island and have to bring enough food to last for that period of time.
Manuae
The population of Manuae once jumped from zero to 120 when a group visited the island from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK, the US, and the then USSR, to observe a total solar eclipse in 1965.
Which Cook Island are you most interested in visiting? Let us know on the Newshub Travel Facebook group.
