Trader Jacks Bar & Grill Cook Islands

The original Trader Jacks was opened on 6 June 1986 by Jack Cooper. It quickly became very popular - partly due to its wonderful setting perched on the water overlooking Avarua Harbour [vaka's eye view], and to the inimitable presence of 'The Trader' himself.

It has not all been plain sailing for Trader Jacks however. On 2 January, 1987, just six months after opening its doors, Cyclone Sally ripped into Rarotonga destroying much of the capital Avarua including Trader Jacks. All that remained of Traders was the roof and some supporting poles. [Sally's track of destruction]

But the indefatigable Trader did not give up and three years later, with the help of several local businesspeople, Jack resurrected Traders in a much simpler format than the original. The new Traders opened in 1989 and again became the favoured watering hole for many locals, visitors and expatriates.
‘The Trader' still maintains his role as chief custodian and drink tester, of an establishment that has been 'praised by many, reviled by some, but ignored by none.' His memoirs are to be published under the title 'Forty Years Behind Bars'.

The current rebuilt and refurbished Traders opened in August 2005 and is, in fact, the fourth edition of the bar/restaurant's colourful story.

The original premises were destroyed by Cyclone Sally in January 1987.

The Trader reorganised and rebuilt, but was again the victim of nature when Cyclone Pam, in December, 1997, tore apart all his good work

The indomitable Trader came again (so to speak), rebuilding on the same site and taking the business to even greater heights as a central attraction of Cook Islands tourism and of Rarotonga.

Then, in February 2005, Cyclone Meena came to town at the start of a month that produced an unprecedented four successive cyclones in Cook Islands waters. Meena lived up to her name and left Traders, along with other parts of the Avarua waterfront, in tatters. [More on Meena here]

But the Trader is nothing if not determined, and exemplified the doughty spirit of Cook Islanders and their resourcefulness, by rebuilding his premises and business yet again. The result is the new Trader Jacks bar/restaurant that awaits your pleasure in the same delightful corner of Avarua Harbour. Much has changed but, in fact, nothing has changed.

Much has changed but, in fact, nothing has changed. Traders remains the same heady brew of South Seas lifestyle and ambience, a watering hole and eating-place-par-excellence that is much favoured by the local characters and visitors alike - one of the real jewels of the South Pacific.

TO TOP

Your hosts:

The Trader himself, aka Jack Cooper, resumes his starring role as the caring and cuddly mine host (yeah-right!!!)

Myra, aka “Warrior”, and Rosa, aka “Wale”, manage the restaurant and keep the rest of the cast under control.