Tropical Sunrise may sound like a cocktail—come to think of it, it probably is—but this is about actual tropical sunrises on the gorgeous tropical island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Here are a few shots for you to enjoy. Meitaki Ma’ata!

Sunrise on the reef and a still lagoon

Waking early one morning on our recent visit, I happened to glance out of the window overlooking the lagoon and saw a very pretty sunrise. Toying with the idea of going back to bed—it was 6.30am after all, and I was on holiday—it then occurred to me that I should be a bit pro-active and take the shot. Even though it probably meant I’d then have to rise at 6.30am every day to take similar shot.

Sunrise over the reef and Koromiri Motu

While I can’t admit to rising at 6.30am every day, when I did, I did so to some great sunrises, and when I was somewhat tardy and up an hour later, I still managed to get a deserted beach, calm lagoon, and peaceful stillness.

Early morning deserted beach looking towards Koromiri Motu

Storm clouds gathering at dawn

Early morning looking towards Taakoka Motu

Early morning paddle boarders with Koromiri Motu on the left

And finally, my favourite … sunrise on the water.

Sunrise on the water – Muri Lagoon

And now, for those of you reading this who thought it was a cocktail … here’s the recipe!

Tropical Sunrise

2 shots dark rum

1 shot triple sec

2 shots orange juice

2 shots pineapple juice

½ shop grenadine

cocktail decoration

Half-fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Add rum, triple sec, orange and pineapple juice and stir. Add grenadine and top with cherry and/or other cocktail decoration. Cheers!

Images by LFW