The Punanga Nui Market in Avarua, Rarotonga’s main town, takes place on Saturday mornings from about 8am until 12 noon. It’s a great place to shop for food, try traditional dishes, or buy flower garlands, pareus (sarongs), pearls or local crafts. The market also has a stage with live music and dance performances from 10am.
The evening market at Muri Beach Village takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5pm and features local food trucks and barbecues serving everything from pan-fried fish to seafood curry, garlic prawns and paw paw salad. It’s popular, so come early and bring cash.