The coat of arms of the Cook Islands has a shield as its focal point.

The shield is blue with fifteen white stars arranged in a circle, as found on the national flag, and is supported by a flying fish (maroro) and a white tern (kakaia).

The helmet is an ariki head-dress (pare kura) of red feathers, symbolising the importance of the traditional rank system, and the name of the nation is on a scroll below the shield.

The achievement is augmented by a cross and a Rarotongan club (momore taringavaru) used by orators during traditional discourses, respectively symbolizing Christianity and the richness of Cook Islands' tradition, placed in saltire behind the shield.

[1] The coat of arms was designed by Mataiapo Metuakore Teremoana Ngametua Tutakiao Kora BEM, also known as Papa Motu Kora.