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Rarotonga
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<p>Rarotonga is the largest and most populous of the <a href="/facts/Cook_Islands/kmvk0Yed">Cook Islands</a>. The island is volcanic, with an area of 67.39 km2 (26.02 sq mi), and is home to almost 75% of the country's population, with 10,898 of a total population of 15,040. The <a href="/facts/Parliament_of_the_Cook_Islands/alhp8AaX">Cook Islands' Parliament</a> buildings and <a href="/facts/Rarotonga_International_Airport/oeTbAJFI">international airport</a> are on Rarotonga. Rarotonga is a popular tourist destination with many resorts, hotels and motels. The chief town, <a href="/facts/Avarua/PlYSILsN">Avarua</a>, on the north coast, is the capital of the Cook Islands. </p><p>Captain <a href="/facts/John_Dibbs/CseKNeQP">John Dibbs</a>, master of the colonial brig <i>Endeavour</i>, is credited as the European discoverer on 25 July 1823, while transporting the missionary Reverend <a href="/facts/John_Williams_(missionary)/eAwbmM2X">John Williams</a>. </p>