Friendly people, turquoise waters, white sand — the Cook Islands are a little slice of heaven in the South Pacific, says Stuff.co.nz. 

“When you ask a Cook Islander what the one reaction visitors have when visiting here, they invariably answer ‘the people are so friendly,’ writes George Hobica. 

Friendliness is one reason but another reason people fall in love with the Cook Islands is its main island, Rarotonga. 

“Whereas your resort on Fiji or Tahiti might be isolated on its own island, the ones here are all on the same island so you can easily explore different resorts, restaurants and attractions,” notes Hobica. 

It’s also convenient and quaint. 

 READ MORE: This Is Why You Should Travel to New Zealand in 2017 

“There are no high-rises, no chain stores, no McDonald's, not even a stop light. It is kind of like Hawaii as it was 50 years ago,” says Hobica. 

Need more reasons to visit or tips for when you do? Read on here for more information on the Cook Islands.