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Best pacific islands to visit.

You may have to trek a bit to reach the thousands of islands that comprise the South Pacific, but the journey is well worth the effort. In this vast area, you'll discover unspoiled beaches, impressive historical sites and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for a relaxing getaway. But with so many islands within Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia to choose from, deciding which remote paradise to prioritize may be a challenge – that's where we come in. To determine the best Pacific Islands, U.S. News considered user votes and expert opinions, plus factors like diversity of attractions, accessibility and affordability. Use these recommendations to plan your next vacation, and cast your vote below to have a say in next year's list.

Cook Islands

Solomon islands.

For a dreamy vacation set amid turquoise waters, lush jungle and extensive coral reefs, book your ticket to Palau. This tiny country in the western Pacific Ocean is known for its premier scuba diving sites and incredible scenery. Get a taste of local culture in Koror, Palau's capital, where you'll find an assortment of craft shops, restaurants, bars and small museums. Other must-do activities include swimming with thousands of non-stinging jellyfish, kayaking Nikko Bay and taking a boat or flight tour of the breathtaking Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Head to one of Fiji's 330-plus islands if you appreciate cultural activities and attractions as much as you enjoy spending time outdoors. In Suva, Fiji's capital city, you can participate in a traditional kava ceremony (which involves drinking yaqona, a root-based drink with mild sedative properties), watch a firewalking festival at Mariamma Temple and explore the Fiji Museum. Meanwhile, Fiji's smaller destinations – including the Yasawa Islands and Taveuni – feature incredible coral gardens, stunning rainforests and some of the world's best beaches . When you tire of sunbathing, snorkeling and hiking, retreat to a rustic bungalow, a trendy boutique hotel or a luxe five-star resort.

One of the smallest countries in the world, Tuvalu is comprised of nine low-lying islands featuring unspoiled white sand beaches, abundant marine life and a laid-back atmosphere. Most of your days here will be spent snorkeling, scuba diving or simply lounging on the beach. However, remember to save time for visiting the Tuvalu Post, which is home to a wide collection of rare decades-old stamps, and checking out the destination's World War II wreckage sites. Despite its beauty, Tuvalu is off many travelers' radars, meaning you won't have to fight hordes of tourists for a spot on the sand.

Newlyweds who want to see a lesser-known side of French Polynesia should consider honeymooning on Moorea. This awe-inspiring island features the same kind of striking natural wonders and romantic accommodations couples will find on Bora Bora, but with a more relaxed atmosphere and lower price tags. What's more, Moorea only sits 10 miles away from Tahiti, making it easy to reach from French Polynesia's main international airport or by ferry. Once travelers arrive on the island, they'll discover eight towering mountains and two beautiful bays, plus several noteworthy attractions, including the Moorea Dolphin Center and Temae Beach.

This string of more than 80 volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean is a picture-perfect getaway that is well off the beaten path. Port Vila, the country's capital located on the island of Efate, is where you'll find many of Vanuatu's tourism facilities, including a selection of restaurants, shops and accommodations. Top activities in Vanuatu include hiking to the summit of Mount Yasur (an active volcano), swimming in the Blue Lagoon and snorkeling Mystery Island's crystal-clear waters.

Despite its small size, this group of 15 islands midway between New Zealand and Hawaii offers something for everyone. Popular activities range from snorkeling excursions and hikes to waterfalls to village tours. The striking white sand beaches on Rarotonga and Aitutaki also can't be missed. After exploring, savor local staples like ika mata (marinated raw fish) and poke (a pudding-like dish made with tropical fruit) at a market. Meanwhile, make sure to attend an island night celebration, which combines traditional dancing with an umukai (a feast prepared in an underground oven). Because the Cook Islands are associated with New Zealand, visitors can easily fly here from Auckland.

This French Polynesian island is the perfect place to go if you're looking to reconnect with nature, dial up the romance and pamper yourself while on vacation. In Bora Bora, you'll find overwater bungalows and luxurious spas made for honeymooners , plus a beautiful turquoise lagoon and lush Mount Otemanu to explore. For an overview of the island and an adrenaline rush, sign up for a four-wheel-drive excursion or a boat tour that includes a shark and stingray feeding. Then, head to Matira Beach or your resort's private stretch of sand to relax as you watch the sun set.

Tahiti's international airport and variety of big-city amenities (think: diverse restaurants, exciting cultural events and abundant five-star resorts) make it a natural choice for a South Pacific vacation. But don't let the French Polynesian island's hustle and bustle fool you: Tahiti also boasts plenty of rushing waterfalls, towering mountains and pristine beaches to set the scene for your relaxing island getaway. Start your visit by checking out the markets, boutiques and nightlife venues in Papeete (Tahiti's capital city) before escaping to one of the island's jaw-dropping natural wonders. Can't-miss spots include Fautaua Waterfall, the Water Gardens of Vaipahi and Papenoo Beach.

Home to about 170 islands, Tonga is known as the last Polynesian monarchy. Tonga vacationers can spend time relaxing on crowd-free beaches, touring the Mapu'a 'a Vaca blowholes and enjoying a traditional Tongan feast. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, don't miss an opportunity to swim with Tonga's graceful humpback whales, an activity that is possible between July and October. Other adventurous travelers will want to go for a dip in the 'Anahulu Cave, an underground freshwater pool surrounded by ancient stalactites and stalagmites.

Water lovers, eco-tourists and culture hounds will all love visiting tranquil Samoa. Here, you'll find breathtaking natural wonders like the To Sua ocean trench (a giant swimming hole), the Alofaaga Blowholes and the Sopoaga and Papapapaitai waterfalls. Additionally, Samoa offers an array of cultural attractions, including the Samoa Cultural Village (with traditional tattooing and tapa cloth-making demonstrations) and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. Once you've gotten your fill of sightseeing, head to a local market for fresh produce or seafood before retiring to a fale (a rustic beachfront accommodation) for the night.

Thanks to its abundance of untouched natural wonders and lack of traditional accommodations, the Solomon Islands are an ideal destination for eco-tourists. Visitors can explore dense jungles, surf uncrowded waves and even climb a dormant volcano. The country was also a battle site during World War II, so history buffs can find historic relics like abandoned tanks and amphibious vehicles scattered throughout the islands. But perhaps the most unique sights are those found in the islands' surrounding waters. Divers from around the world flock here to see the Solomon Islands' sunken WWII seaplanes, submarines and oil tankers.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

American Samoa

New Caledonia

Easter Island

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• Destinations
• Travel Guides

The South Pacific Islands: a first timer's guide

Roxanne de Bruyn

• Pacific Islands travel guide

With white, sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and scattered palm trees, the Pacific Islands look like paradise. Dotted around the South Pacific, these islands are small and untouched.

A holiday in the Pacific Islands is all about relaxing, switching off from everyday life, and enjoying the simple pleasures of a tropical island - exotic fruit, warm weather, beautiful lagoons and fresh fish. These holidays are less about adventure or luxury and more about simply experiencing some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Many of the islands (with the notable exception of Fiji) are relatively underdeveloped, with few large hotel brands there. While the Pacific Islands have a strong tourism industry, it's mostly targeted at New Zealanders and Australians

• How to get there

Getting to the Pacific Islands is the most convenient from New Zealand. Flights to each island leave multiple times a week. There are also regular flights from Australia, Fiji has a weekly flight from LA, and the Cook Islands has a connection to Canada.

Travelling between the South Pacific Islands is more complicated than you would think, with routes changing frequently. Saying that, Tonga generally has good connections to Fiji and Samoa, and you can usually fly from French Polynesia to the other South Pacific Islands. It is best to check before you go.

• When to visit

The Pacific Islands have distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from April to October and is the most popular time to visit the islands. This is for two reasons: the weather is great, and it's winter in New Zealand and Australia, where many tourists come from.

The humidity is significantly reduced during the winter, and the cyclone season has passed. You are also more likely to see humpback whales between June and October. On the other hand, there'll be more visitors and prices will be a bit higher.

Travelling to the Pacific Islands during the low season is entirely possible. Just keep in mind that it'll probably rain during your stay, it will be hot and humid, and some activities may be closed, especially if you visit outside of the Christmas school holidays. It's also cyclone season, so there is the possibility of high winds and torrential rain, although generally, rainfall is light, and there are still long patches of sunshine.

Fiji is a popular family holiday destination with resorts, kids' clubs, and activities for all ages. Fiji is more developed than the other islands, and several brand-name resorts are here. These are mainly clustered on Denarau Island, a resort development on the Western side of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island - before booking, remember that there isn't a natural beach in Denarau.

Just a short boat ride from Denarau, you'll find the Mamanuca Islands, with beautiful beaches, excellent snorkelling and tall palm trees. There are several resorts on these islands, ranging from family-friendly with kids' clubs and childcare services to adult-only resorts for romantic getaways. The Cloud 9 surf breaks are easily accessible for a day trip - go for the surf or to relax in the on-water bar. Just keep in mind that food and accommodation in Fiji aren't cheap.

If you're interested in scuba diving in Fiji or want to experience Fiji without mass tourism, the stunning Yasawa Islands are a bit further from Viti Levu. The Yasawas are less convenient to visit, but there are regular local seaplane flights. Accommodation here is a bit more rustic, but the views are spectacular, and you can enjoy the untouched scenery. Backpackers are well catered for, and there are a couple of resorts if you want a touch more luxury.

• The Cook Islands

A territory of New Zealand, the Cook Islanders are just a couple of hours' flight from Auckland. Rarotonga, the largest island, is particularly popular with New Zealanders, and there are several small resorts on the island.

With calm lagoons, long beaches and friendly locals, Rarotonga is great for a family holiday. The island is small, but there are enough activities to keep you busy (and relaxed) for a week or two. You can also rent a house near the beach and self-cater during your stay.

Aitutaki, about an hour's flight from Rarotonga, is the perfect destination for a more secluded getaway. A favourite with honeymooners , Aitutaki is simply stunning. White sandy beaches are studded with palm trees, and the scenery is like a postcard come to life.

The island is tiny, and there are several resorts, mainly catering for couples. There are a few cheaper options, but they're much harder to track down.

In terms of activities, the lagoon cruise is a must, stopping at various deserted islands and including a fish lunch. One Foot Island is a favourite stop, with an old post office, shady trees and a small reef for snorkelling. Aitutaki is a remarkably beautiful place and is the perfect spot for relaxing on the beach with a cocktail and a good book.

Less developed than Fiji or the Cook Islands, your holiday in Tonga will likely include simple accommodation, friendly people and beautiful surroundings. There are several locally owned and run accommodation options, which are generally clean, simple and often absolute beachfront.

Tonga is a more affordable destination, but service isn't always up to international standards, so don't expect luxury service. However, the surroundings are stunning, people are helpful and welcoming, and it's easier to get a sense of the local culture than on some other Pacific islands.

• Introduction

Share this article

Author - Roxanne de Bruyn

Roxanne is the founder and editor of Faraway Worlds. She is a freelance writer and guidebook author and has written for several travel publications, including Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor and The Culture Trip. With a background in communications, she has studied ancient history, comparative religion and international development, and has a particular interest in sustainable tourism.

Originally from South Africa, Roxanne has travelled widely and loves learning the stories of the places she visits. She enjoys cooking, dance and yoga, and usually travels with her husband and young son. She is based in New Zealand.

Last Updated 9 January 2023

South Pacific's most idyllic islands for a tropical getaway

Sep 22, 2021 • 6 min read

Small thatched beach huts known as Samoan fales on one of the South Pacific island's most pristine beaches © zstockphotos/Getty Images

The South Pacific confounds even the savviest map buffs with its splatter of dots spread across the world's biggest ocean. What you can't tell from a map, or even most tourist brochures is that these palm-laden pinpricks are as diverse as the region is vast. While the postcards might look similar, Fiji and Tahiti are not interchangeable or even much alike when it comes to landscapes and culture.

As you move east across the Pacific from the Solomon Islands to Easter Island , the flora and fauna becomes less diverse. Islands to the east like New Caledonia and Fiji have land snakes and fruit bats, French Polynesia and Easter Island don't. Underwater you'll find more soft corals in the plankton-rich waters to the west but better visibility in the greater reaches of open water to the east.

South Pacific islands are culturally and geographically divided into Polynesia (from the Greek meaning 'many islands') and Melanesia (meaning 'black islands'). Polynesian islands include Samoa , Tonga , Cook Islands , French Polynesia and Easter Island while Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands are Melanesian. The colonial history of the islands has resulted in a modern-day patchwork of English- and French-speaking island groups (plus Spanish in the far eastern Easter Island).

Still confused? Here's the low-down on the main regions and their highlights.

Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

Best for beaches and hospitality Languages: English (official), Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan)

The Cook Islands mix Polynesian blue water and hospitality with New Zealand (who administer the islands) savoir faire . On the lush, main isle of Rarotonga beach bum all day then experience an 'Island Night' Polynesian feast (pork cooked in an earthen oven, taro root and more) and a local dance performance.

Hop a plane to Aitutuaki atoll, with its low-lying coral islets curling around one of the world's most fantastic lagoons. When not diving, snorkelling or swimming in blue water, check out the atoll's ancient stone temples called marae .

Best for: friendly vibes and backpacker adventures Languages: English, iTaukei, Fiji Hindi

Fiji receives nearly the same amount of visitors (about 630,000 annually) as the rest of the South Pacific combined but it still feels wild and exotic. Scents of Indian curries waft from city roti shops while in villages Melanesian families invite you in for a bit of 'grog' ( kava , a slightly narcotic locally made beverage). Diving is another popular activity here and underwater you'll find seascapes of soft corals so dense they look like purple and white forests.

Viti Levu , the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands have the best beaches and most resorts. It's also easy to get off-the-beaten-path on islands like the lush, dive havens of Taveuni and Vanua Levu or the near-roadless traditional escape of Kadavu.

Tahiti & French Polynesia

Best for: luxury resorts and surfing Languages: French, Polynesian

With over 115 islands spanning five archipelagos, French Polynesia has it all from the legendary, luxe Bora Bora and its over-the-water-bungalows to uncountable forgotten islands perfect for Crusoe-wannabes looking for a basic beach bungalow. Wherever you go, you'll be kissed with a touch of French style.

Dive with plentiful reef sharks and manta rays in the Tuamotu Atolls ; ogle the world's fastest hip shaking at a Tahitian dance performance during the July Heiva Festival; hike to waterfalls and mountain ridges on Tahiti, Moorea , the Marquesas Islands and more; or watch professional surfers brave cavernous tubes at Teahupoo , Tahiti.

Best for: volcanoes and hiking Languages: (more than 100) Bislama (creole), English, French, others

If you want rumbling volcanoes, kava bars, shipwrecks to dive on and wild jungles to trek but still want your roads paved and your cheese French, Vanuatu is the place for you.

The main Island of Efate is home to the endearingly dusty capitol of Port Vila but the real action lies on the outer islands. Tanna is dominated by fiery and climbable Mt Yasur. Espiritu Santo has upscale resorts and a tough trek to the massive Millennium Cave filled with waterfalls and bats. Dive and snorkel WWII wrecks to coral gardens.

Samoa & American Samoa

Best for surfing and hiking Languages: English, Samoan (Polynesian), Samoan/English

The Samoan Islands are divided into two countries – Samoa, which is independent, and American Samoa , which - you guessed it – is an American territory. Both however remain very traditionally Polynesian. Although 'Upolu in Samoa has a few relatively upscale resorts, all the islands feel untouristy and much other accommodation is in the form of basic open beach huts called fale .

You'll find some of the South Pacific's best and most pristine beaches, lots of smiles, flower-filled villages and a pace of life that stands out as slow even in this region. There are few organized excursions but for independent types the opportunity for hiking, cultural connections, surfing and snorkelling are endless.

New Caledonia

Best for: food and water sports Language: French, 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

New Caledonia's massive Grande Terre is the third largest island in the Pacific (after Papua New Guinea and New Zealand) and is home to the second largest double barrier coral reef in the world (after Australia's Great Barrier Reef).

Beyond the diving, wind sports and sailing in the lagoon, the land supports a mix of Melanesian and French cultures that bring an elegant balance to hospitality, cuisine and accommodation ranging from beach bungalows to very posh resorts.

Outlying islands such as Île des Pins and Ouvéa offer more remote escapes with some of the Pacific's best beaches and heaps of delicious seafood.

Best for: swimming with humpback whales Language: English, Tongan

The Kingdom of Tonga is a country of traditional values and strong Christianity backed by endless blue bays, sparkling beaches and ancient stone temples.

The main island of Tongatapu is the seat of the monarchy but most visitors head quickly to the Vava'u Group . Here you'll find one of the best places on Earth to swim with or watch humpback whales. Sailboats flock around the Vava'u's many sheltered blue bays while plenty of scarcely discovered surfing waves are tucked along the coasts.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Best for archaeology and wildlife Language: Spanish

Few places on the planet are as intriguing Easter Island 164 square kilometer island so far east, it's technically a part of Chile. Giant, sober-faced stone statues called moai dominate the landscape here whether they are full-standing or still only partially carved from rock; their mystery is an even larger presence.

Tour the island on foot, bike or horseback, find small white beaches and enjoy the lively Polynesian culture mixed with South American spice. Tourism is on the rise but the island remains personable and dedicated to eco-travel.

Solomon Islands

Best for: diving and eco-tourism Language: English, Melanesian pidgin, English, 120 indigenous languages

Arguably one of the wildest destinations in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands host a traditional Melanesian culture and an ever-lingering WWII history. Guadalcanal , the capital island, is home to numerous historical war sites.

For relaxation head to the New Georgia Islands , particularly Marovo Lagoon for its fish-filled lagoon dotted with small islands. Beaches are few but the kayaking, diving and traditional culture make it a true adventure.

Remote South Pacific islands

Where to begin? Some places like Niue , Tuvalu , Kiribati and Wallis & Futuna have flight connections while others like Tokelau and Pitcairn Island can still only be reached by sea . If you're not booking that South Pacific adventure-of-a-lifetime this year, then what are you waiting for? 

You might also like: How to choose the best island for your Fiji vacation Natural spoils: why Kiribati is a nature lover's paradise Why Tanna Island in Vanuatu should be your next big adventure

This article was first published Aug 2, 2019 and updated Sep 22, 2021.

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South Pacific Island Hopping – A Guide to Travelling In & Between French Polynesia, Samoa & The Cook Islands

For as long as I can remember I’ve been obsessed with the South Pacific . It’s not just the white sand beaches and turquoise water, but the culture and traditions that always intrigued me. I visited Fiji 10 years ago and loved it, so when Enrico and I were discussing which places we wanted to visit this year, the South Pacific was high on the list. I did some research into South Pacific island hopping and soon discovered it’s not quite as easy as I expected to travel from island to island, even when you’re travelling within the same country. There aren’t that many ferries, and often the only option is to take lots of flights. It’s totally worth it though (although I feel a little guilty about my carbon footprint this year). After two months of island hopping in the South Pacific, here are our top tips!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I’ve recommended I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to run this site. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

How to Island Hop in The South Pacific!

Before you start looking at which Pacific islands to visit, it’s worthwhile looking at the logistics of travel between them.

I had imagined that we would take ferries between lots of the South Pacific islands, but in reality, there are very few. There are cargo ships, which do sometimes take passengers, but the timetables change and they give priority to locals, plus you can’t book in advance. We really wanted to do this as it sounded like such an adventure (and it’s cheap). But in actuality, we only had two months, and you really need a lot of time to spare in case you can’t get on the boat when it arrives and need to wait for the next one, which could be in a few weeks’ time.

If you have a yacht and plenty of time, then you can sail between the islands, but we sadly do not have a yacht, (and we don’t know how to sail so couldn’t hire one.) Once I have more sailing experience this would definitely be something I’d like to try though! If you plan on sticking to one country, you could try a diving boat, such as a Fiji liveaboard , or there are also big cruise ships, but we wanted to have lots of time on the islands to explore so that wasn’t for us either.

You might be surprised to know that there aren’t direct flights between most of the countries in the South Pacific, meaning you have to fly into Auckland and then back out. This will have an impact on cost, route and time. After hours spent looking at flights I worked out which of the Pacific islands connect and this dictated our route.

For example –

Fiji is quite a good hub – you can fly from Fiji to Vanuatu, Samoa, New Caledonia, Tahiti, The Soloman Islands and to Tonga, so it’s an easy inclusion in your island hopping itinerary.

There are flights between Vanuatu and New Caledonia and between New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

From Tahiti (French Polynesia) there is a direct flight to the Cook Islands once a week and from both of these destinations you can fly to Hawaii.

Number 1 on our list was French Polynesia . I’ve always wanted to go there, so that was definitely going to be in our South Pacific itinerary, and with the link to the Cook Islands , we also added that to the route.

For the final island, we considered Tonga – we were going to be travelling during the whale migration, which has big appeal – but eventually decided on Samoa. Although this meant flying into Auckland and back out to get to Tahiti, we were both really keen to visit Samoa because from everything I’d read it still has the most traditional culture of the Pacific Islands. (Something we found to be true of the islands we visited).

For our next South Pacific Island adventure, we are hoping to visit Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands, as there are direct flights between the three.

I have also travelled to Fiji twice, which you can read about here .

This website is useful for checking flight routes.

Getting Around in The South Pacific

Within your chosen countries, (ours being Samoa, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands), you then have to think about island hopping again, as they are all made up of a number of islands. This is also true of Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and so on.

Getting Around Samoa

Samoa is the easiest (and therefore cheapest) to travel to. There are two main islands which are connected by a car ferry. There are other small islands, but most don’t really have any tourist infrastructure and there is a lot to see on both Upolu and Savai’i, meaning you most likely won’t feel the need to see the others. The best way to get around the islands is by car, so I advise hiring one from the airport in Apia . There are buses, but they aren’t that frequent and often stop far from the beaches and resorts.

Check out the ultimate Samoa itinerary

Getting Around French Polynesia

There are 118 islands in French Polynesia, also known as the Islands of Tahiti. We had two months to travel the South Pacific and that’s not enough to visit all of the islands in French Polynesia. Plus some of them you can’t even fly to. A big slice of your French Polynesian budget will go on flights. I totally recommend buying a flight pass from Air Tahiti . It’s a fixed price and each package includes a certain group/number of islands. We did the Bora Bora-Tuamotu Pass, even though we didn’t visit all of the French Polynesian islands available in our pass, it still worked out cheaper. If you don’t like flying in small planes you may wish to reconsider visiting French Polynesia – or look into cruise/sailing options. Otherwise, you can stick to Tahiti and Mo’orea which are connected by a ferry.

Read our two week French Polynesia itinerary here

Depending on which islands you’re visiting, it’s a good idea to hire a car , even if only for a day or two. Some of the islands are small enough to get around by bicycle (Rangiroa), and some you don’t really need one (Bora Bora).

Book a rental car in French Polynesia

Getting Around The Cook Islands

There are flights (and cargo ships) between the Cook Islands, which are fairly expensive considering how short some of the flights are. We decided to visit just two islands, Aitutaki and the main island of Rarotonga, in order to reduce the money spent on travel. In hindsight, I would have liked to have visited Aitu as well, but there is always next time!

It’s worth hiring a car on both Aitutaki and Rarotonga, however, the latter does have a bus service that loops the island. But a car gives you much more freedom to explore.

Book a rental car in the Cook Islands

Which Islands to Visit in the South Pacific?

Now you’ve decided which countries you’re going to, you’ll be wondering which islands to visit! I’ll be writing more detailed guides to each of the islands we visited, but here is a brief overview of the South Pacific islands we visited (in order).

Upolu, Samoa

The most populated island of Samoa, home to the international airport and the country’s capital city – Apia. There are lots of beautiful beaches, particularly along the south coast, where you will also find the famous To Sua Ocean Trench. You’ll find our top things to do in Upolu, Samoa here .

Savai’i, Samoa

Savai’i is much quieter and less populated than Upolu, but larger in size. It has stunning beaches and impressive lava fields along with blowholes and jungle. The ferry from Upolu takes 1 hour 15 minutes and it’s totally worth making the trip. Our favourite beach in the whole of Samoa was on this island at Falealupo.

Check out the perfect 10 day Samoa itinerary.

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Tahiti is the transport hub of French Polynesia, with the only international airport. Many flights to other French Polynesian islands also transit through here. It is a volcanic island so the beaches have black sand but have a different kind of beauty to the white sand beaches of the other tropical islands . There is excellent surfing on Tahiti and it’s also great for fishing. The capital city Pape’ete has a good market.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

We considered not going to Bora Bora as I thought it would just be expensive hotels for honeymooners. How wrong I was. It is such a beautiful island (as you can imagine) and there are plenty of things to do. Great diving, hikes, boat trips… it ended up being one of my favourite islands. It only has one beach – Matira – but it’s a gorgeous one.

Read our two week French Polynesia itinerary

Huahine, French Polynesia

Huahine is actually two islands, joined by a small bridge. We stayed on the southern island at a lovely beach called Avea which is a short walk from a Marae (Polynesian ancient temple). Huahine has one of the highest concentrations of Marae in the whole of French Polynesia. The snorkelling is excellent here, best experienced on a lagoon cruise which takes you to different locations around the islands, as well as to a pearl farm, ending with lunch on a motu – (a small sand/reef islet).

Taha’a, French Polynesia

Taha’a doesn’t have an airport, so you have to fly into neighbouring Raiatea and take a boat to Taha’a. The island is famous for two things: vanilla and black pearls. We visited farms producing both during our stay, and there are quite a few options across the island. There is excellent snorkelling on Taha’a too, in particular at Motu Tautau off the west coast. This can only be reached by boat, or by foot for guests staying at Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa .

Rangiroa, French Polynesia

If I had to pick a favourite island from our trip to the South Pacific, then it would most likely be Rangiroa. It’s an atoll with an enormous lagoon and it is stunning. It has some of the best dive sites in the world including the Tiputa Pass, where you can see a huge variety of sharks, fish, dolphins and rays. It’s an amazing dive . If you cross the atoll from the main town of Avatoru, you will reach the blue lagoon, which is possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. It’s just incredible. You can also see lots of little blacktip reef sharks here too. (Don’t worry they aren’t scary!). Rangiroa is also another big pearl producer and even has a school dedicated to all aspects of black pearls – the only one of its kind. Read our guide to Rangiroa .

Tikehau, French Polynesia

Another atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago along with Rangiroa, Tikeahau is a quieter island famous for pink coral beaches. There is a great chance of spotting Manta Rays in Tikehau’s lagoon, which visit the same spot each morning to be cleaned by wrasses. This is really the place to come to get away from it all.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Rarotonga is the international hub for the Cook Islands, with lots of accommodation – even hostels, and good restaurants and bars. I would say it’s the cheapest island we visited in the South Pacific (unless you’re only staying in beach fales – then Upolu/Savai’i probably wins). It has some beautiful white sand beaches and a couple of good hikes through the centre.

Read our 10 day Cook Islands itinerary.

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki is home to a magnificent blue lagoon, and for this reason alone it’s worth a visit. The water visibility is excellent and you’ve got a very good chance of spotting and swimming with Giant Trevally, which live in the lagoon. There are lots of little sand motu (islands), which can be visited by boat. It’s paradise. In fact, it’s on two of these motu that Shipwrecked is filmed!

South Pacific Trip Budget

Once we had decided on our route, we had to work out if we could actually afford to do it. I will be completely honest here – the South Pacific is one of the most expensive destinations in the world and everything is pricey – flights, food and accommodation.

As we were writing about the destinations we had some support from the Tourist Boards which helped a lot, but even so, we had to carefully evaluate if our budget would cover the trip, and if so, would we spend all of our money and have to go straight home afterwards (as we were planning to travel for another 3 months).

After some careful calculations, we ascertained that we could manage it, but we had to stick to a strict budget, choose cheap accommodation and cook for ourselves where possible.

In my opinion, the reason to visit the South Pacific is to experience the marine life and culture. So we wanted to spend as much of our budget on experiences as possible, and less on accommodation and food. If it’s your honeymoon you might have a different view, but really you can stay in nice hotels anywhere, what you can’t do is dive with sharks, snorkel with turtles and watch Polynesian dancing.

South Pacific Accommodation

Samoa accommodation.

The cheapest accommodation in Samoa is beach fales. These are huts with thatch roofs and open walls. They are basic with shared bathrooms, but they are amazing. You can hear the waves lapping on the beach while you sleep and it’s a very traditional Samoan experience. Often a night at a beach fale includes dinner and breakfast, which means you save on your food budget too. We stayed at beach fales for around 80 WST a night including breakfast and dinner (approx. £25). If you have a bit more money to spare there are some lovely places to stay, particularly on the south coast of Upolu.

French Polynesia Accommodation

Everyone dreams of an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, but the reality is that they cost a lot. I mean a lot. (usually around £500 per night and up!!). So that wasn’t going to be an option for us on this trip. However, we found some great budget accommodation in French Polynesia. While still not super cheap, we stayed at B&Bs and guesthouses , many with kitchens where we could cook our own meals. This saved us a lot of money and we were still able to enjoy the incredible beaches and marine life a few steps away. We did stay at some more high-end places too, our favourites were Kia Ora in Rangiroa and family-run Relais Royal in Tikehau.

Find accommodation in Bora Bora , Tahiti and Rangiroa

Cook Islands Accommodation

The Cook Islands has more budget options than French Polynesia and there are a couple of hostels on Rarotonga if you’re up for staying in a dorm. We found a few good options including Rarotonga Backpackers and Club Raro Resort . These both had a kitchen which was great for cooking our own food.

Find accommodation in Rarotonga

On Aitutaki, there are also some nice budget options with kitchens – we loved Rino’s Motel which was right on the water. For a little luxury, Tamanu Beach is incredible. We could literally see the ocean from our bed!

Find accommodation in Aitutaki

Food in The South Pacific

There is delicious fruit and veg in the Pacific Islands, which you can buy from roadside stalls and the local markets. In most places it’s best not to drink tap water, but lots of hotels filter their own water or you can travel with a filter water bottle to avoid buying too many plastic water bottles. We saved money by buying super noodles and instant soup before we travelled and eating these in our hotel (glamorous I know). This saved us a lot of money on food, and while it isn’t exactly nutritious it’s fine as long as you aren’t doing it for every meal.

Food in Samoa

As mentioned before, beach fales often include dinner and breakfast which helps the budget a lot. There is excellent fish, and a must-try dish is Oka – raw fish with lime juice and coconut cream. It’s delicious. There is coconut with everything – to drink, in desserts, in main courses. Another traditional dish is palusami – taro leaves filled with coconut cream. Yum. If you’re in Samoa on a Sunday, then many restaurants will be serving a tonai – a traditional Samoan Sunday lunch that includes all the regional specialities.

Food in French Polynesia

Being French, you can buy lots of French food in French Polynesia. It’s basically the dream – tropical beaches and French cheese and wine. We found some great options in the supermarket in Tahiti, but once you get out to the more remote French Polynesian islands you’ll find less variety for a higher price. There is really good fish here too, and there is a similar dish to Oka called Poisson Cru made from the same ingredients.

Food in The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands also have good fish including Mahi Mahi (our favourite). Their version of Oka/Poisson Cru is called Ika Mata. Coconut is a staple in Cook Islands’ food and the tree is known as the ‘tree of life’ as it is used for everything from food and drink, to building houses. Supermarkets are expensive, and if you want to eat out cheaply then there aren’t many options aside from burgers, of which there are a lot. A stand out on Rarotonga was The Mooring Fish Café for delicious fish sandwiches.

Booking in Advance

I strongly recommend you book your flights and accommodation in advance whilst South Pacific island hopping. The flights will only become more expensive, and even if you have the Air Tahiti Island pass, the flights do get sold out. With accommodation, you can be a little bit more relaxed depending on the location. If you’ve booked your flights for French Polynesia then it also makes sense to have your accommodation booked. We booked everything at least a few months ahead of time. In Samoa and the Cook Islands, you can be a little more flexible. In particular in Samoa, because you don’t need to book the ferry, though it is recommended if you’re travelling peak season, and some of the beach fales don’t take bookings, and many don’t have websites.

The South Pacific was easily the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. The beaches are on another level and the marine life was incredible. We had the most amazing time exploring Samoa, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands and each has something different to offer. I would recommend all three. We are also keen to return and explore some of the other Pacific islands, so at some point, another South Pacific island hopping trip will be on the agenda!

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Such a dream trip. OMG!!!

It really was! Wish I could do it all over again!

Great article! Came across it whilst starting to plan a South Pacific island hopping extravaganza for my husband and myself. Lots of useful information, thanks!

Thank you! I’m glad it was useful 🙂 I hope you have a great trip, it’s such a beautiful part of the world.

H guys The best review/ blog I have ever read. It’s my ambition to go in this part of the world, is more expensive that say London to eat out

Thank you 🙂 If you eat at hotels then it can be pretty expensive – probably more than London. However, if you eat at local places then you can find some cheap options.

In 2001 and 2002 I got a flight from England to New Zealand with stops at French Polynesia and the Cook Islands on the way there. Plus on my way home I stopped in Samoa. I missed out on seeing Tonga. I am keen to see more of the islands. I went to Hawaii and Fiji in 1993. I have been back to Hawaii once since then.

That sounds like a great trip. I’m also really keen to visit Tonga. We are hoping to travel to Vanuatu once the borders open. Hawaii is so beautiful – I went there for my 30th!

Wow just loved this. Best I have seen. Always wanted to go there for a few months. Maybe maybe

Thank you. I highly recommend it – such a beautiful part of the world.

Thanks for sharing your voyage. It was so beautiful. I am hoping I can travel to at least a few of these paradise islands.

Thank you. I hope you can too!

Some great ways explain how they can identify the right travel agent for tourism to avoid future problems. Along with this, there are reasons presented why it is necessary. I guess this can be helpful.

Hi, planning a world trip with a difference!! But on my itinerary are the pacific islands. Excellent blog. Really enjoyed it. Just wondering if you can specify how you travelled from island to island? Are there any boats rather than flying in and out of NZ? These are the islands I wish to visit: Tonga, Fiji, Somoa, Cook and Tahiti flying in NZ or Aus

Thank you! I have included a section on getting around and between the islands here: https://www.alovelyplanet.com/south-pacific-island-hopping/#How_to_Island_Hop_in_The_South_Pacific . They all vary. Skyscanner is a pretty handy tool when looking at flights – I use the ‘everywhere’ destination option to see what direct flights are available from each destination. For example, from Fiji there are direct flights to Samoa and Tonga, so you could organise to do those together. You may still have to do one or two connections via NZ. Hope you have a great trip – it sounds amazing!

Hello! Thanks for the great post. I’m curious what was your budget? You didn’t mention it.

Thanks! Kiera

Hi Kiera, our budget varied depending on the location. It was easy to eat cheaply in the Cook Islands and accommodation is more affordable than say Bora Bora. So it really depended on where we were. We aimed for accommodation around $100-200 USD per night with a few luxury stays here and there. Plus we were also hosted at a few places. Sorry that’s not the most helpful I know. The more remote the island the harder it is to find groceries etc and generally the more costly things are.

Hi, I loved your post! Could you give an estimate of what you could spend in a two week trip? Approximate?

Thank you!! Idoua

Glad you liked it 🙂 It really depends on what level of accommodation you stay in and how many islands/places to visit. The luxury resorts are expensive, but there are reasonable guest houses and cheap places to eat/food from the supermarket. So it’s really hard to give an estimate. Sorry – I hope that helps!

How did you get from Tahiti to Easter Island? I looked it up online, but they all say you have to go via Santiago in Chile. Super useful webpage this has been really helpful!

There isn’t a direct flight, but you can fly via the US and then Santiago. Unfortunately there used to be a more direct option, but not anymore. Glad you like the article 🙂

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Make the Most of Your Pacific Island Travel With These Pro Tips

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When I first arrived in the South Pacific, I really didn’t anticipate my pacific island travel plans would take me here for over a year (and counting). Most pacific island countries remain COVID-19 free thanks to their early shutting of borders, including the one I’m in right now – Tonga .

But before the borders shut, I had a chance to visit various different ones. And along the way, I’ve picked up some tips for how best to enjoy pacific island travel and make the most out of your trip.

Table of Contents

1. Pacific Island Travel Time

Island time is really a thing, and if you don’t accept it and go with it… then you’re not going to have a great time. The pacific islands are beautiful peaceful countries; a great place to pick up a book and relax on the beach. So embrace that. Don’t try and rush your time, because you’re going to find a lot of hurdles along the way. Ideally, you’ll spend a good few days or even weeks in each country. One, because there are lots to explore and each pacific island has something unique. Two, because you’re going to encounter problems, such as rain, cyclones, and flight cancellations. And three, because everyone around you will be on island time. You should be too. Take it slow, relaxed, chilled. Nothing happens quickly in the pacific.

2. Budget Well for Pacific Island Travel 

Pacific island travel is NOT cheap. You can try to do it as cheaply as you want, but in the end, it’s not the same as travelling South East Asia. More like travelling Europe. There are cheaper options, and there are more expensive options. But there are rarely super cheap or super expensive options. It’s more of a general middle ground overall.

3. Live Like a Local

This help especially if you’re on a budget. Try to eat and travel like a local. Eat local foods, shop at the local markets, and use local travel such as boats instead of flights. Embracing the local culture will also mean that you get much more of a taste for the pacific and you’ll really make the most of your pacific island travel.

4. Don’t Try to Visit Too Many

As I mentioned before, don’t try to be too speedy with things. If you only have a month, think about visiting 2 or 3 countries maximum. Remember, each country will have a multitude of islands to explore, too, so if island hopping is what you hope to achieve with your pacific island travel, you could even consider just visiting one country. I know I could’ve spent a month easily in the Solomon Islands, and I spent about a month in total in Vanuatu and nowhere near explored everything.

5. The Internet Problem & Pacific Island Travel 

Apart from North Korea, the only other countries I’ve really come across with absolutely no free WiFi and a pretty dire internet connection is the South Pacific. You will rarely find yourself out of internet connection, but it is slow and expensive. You can expect the internet speed to go right down of an evening, and especially at the weekend. Much of the Pacific is served by one provider, Digicel, however buying a SIM in Fiji will not work in Vanuatu, for example. You’ll have to get a new SIM card each time – and due to the lack of free WiFi, I’d definitely recommend purchasing a SIM card.

6. Embrace the Culture 

Try your hand at doing some culture classes such as weaving or even learning some local dances. This is a great way to meet the local people and learn the ways of their history and cultures.

7. Go with the Seasons

In the Pacific, there are really only two seasons; winter and summer. Summer is dry and pleasant, winter is hot and wet. Usually, the main tourist season is in winter when temperatures are cool. If you want to travel off-season when it is cheaper and there are less people around, be prepared to be hit by the odd cyclone.

Going with the seasons also is appropriate when thinking about food. After being in Tonga for a full year, I was constantly surprised every few months to find something had disappeared. During the right season, you can buy 20 bananas for a couple of dollars. Then, the next week, they’re gone. A few weeks later, Tonga starts to import them from New Zealand (who get them from Ecuador) and all of a sudden you can add an extra zero to their price. Same with everything else; tomatoes, carrots, pineapples… Be warned that you might not be able to get exactly what you want all the time.

8. Goodbye to the West, Hello Pacific Islands! 

Pacific island travel is a true goodbye to the west. Be prepared for this. Shops are often not well stocked, especially if container ships are delayed. Forget Starbucks. Forget McDonald’s. In fact, forget most of your home comforts. You won’t find these in the pacific and you need to let them go. Also, forget about buying anything electronic. Duty Free shops and electronic stores are few and far between, and they’re often a couple of years behind. Take everything with you you could need – and don’t forget your GoPro.

There are also other things you wouldn’t think about being an issue. Books, for example.   Books are really difficult to find sometimes, with no big bookshops available. A Kindle or E-Book would be a great purchase.

9. The Friendly Islands

Every pacific island is different, but something they have in common is the friendliness of the locals. Actually, Tonga is often referred to as the Friendly Islands – but I find it no where near as friendly as the other islands I visited. If you have a problem, don’t feel like you can’t ask the locals. A lot can speak English and they’ll be more than happy to help you.

10. Pacific Island Travel is Off the Beaten Path

Don’t feel intimidated if you don’t meet another traveler – especially if you’re travelling off-season.

Despite their beauty, pacific island travel is pretty remote and can be pricey and difficult. Because of this, it stays off the itinerary for many tourists. You might not see another traveler for days – and embrace that! You have the whole experience to yourself.

11. Pacific Island Travel Isn’t Easy

As I just mentioned, it pacific island travel can be quite difficult. This is basically down to limited and expensive flights and routes. Flights between pacific island countries are expensive. There may only be one a week. And there may be none at all. New Zealand and Fiji serve as good bases to get to the smaller pacific island countries, but travel between them is difficult as most airlines don’t do services between the smaller island nations. 

My most important tip. Pacific island travel is something you’ll never forget. White sands, secluded accommodation, crystal clear waters and amazing coral reefs. Not to mention the fabulous culture and history you’ll learn about!   If you feel like it’s getting a bit too much, take out a book and have a read. Relax, and enjoy.

Where would I recommend the most to visit? I visited Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Tonga . Vanuatu stays at number 1 for me!

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That seals it. Stopping my efforts to try to book a trip there. Thanks for the clarity, saving me/us a lot of grief.

A thoughtful and informative piece. Thanks. For small to medium size gifts, what would you suggest?

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Beyond Hawaii: 5 Pacific Islands for Perfect Family Vacations

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Hawaii is very much on the radar of family travelers from the US, while most other Pacific islands are less known and less visited. But, there are dozens of island nations scattered across the enormous Pacific Ocean worth considering that offer a huge variety of cultures, landscapes and family travel fun.

While all would make a worthwhile destination in their own right, some Pacific islands make handy stopover locations when traveling between North America and New Zealand, Australia and Asia. It's less common to hop between Pacific islands, as it can be logistically tricky (although the following TPG article shows how it can be done using points and miles: My Two-Month Itinerary Across the South Pacific Using Award-Chart Sweet Spots).

We've identified some of the most attractive Pacific island nations for family travelers, spanning Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. Whether you're looking for a lazy week on an idyllic beach or adventurous outdoor activities, you'll find it at some or all of these places.

First, here are a few more articles from The Points Guy that will help with planning a trip to the Pacific islands with points and miles:

• How This TPG Reader Pulled off His First Backpacking Trip Across the South Pacific with Points
• Island Hopping with United Miles -- Reader Success Story
• TPG Readers Share Their Best Tips for Flying to the South Pacific on Points and Miles
• The Best Bucket List Points Trips to Beach Destinations

French Polynesia (Tahiti and Moorea)

French Polynesia is a collection of more than 100 islands covering more than 1,200 miles that -- as the name suggests -- is still governed by France. In the interest of keeping costs down and limiting additional air travel with kids, we recommend Moorea for family travelers. Tahiti, where most travelers arrive, is connected to neighboring Moorea by ferry; it isan easy trip that only takes around an hour and costs between $10 and $15 for a one-way ticket. Other notable islands (Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Tetiaroa) require an extra flight , which can be expensive.

Moorea's jagged volcanic peaks and white-sand beaches are the stuff lazy Polynesian vacation dreams are made of. Little kids can paddle in the calm waters, older kids can enjoy kayaking and other water sports, and parents can savor French-Polynesian fusion food. It's easy to connect to French Polynesia from Sydney, Auckland, Rarotonga, Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Some family-friendly points hotels on Tahiti and Moorea include:

• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, which has a babysitting service. From 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
• InterContinental Resort and Spa Moorea has the the Turtle Care Center, interesting for animal-loving kids. From 50,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night.
• Manava Suite Resort Tahiti offers kid-friendly adventure activities such as "baby Jet Skis" and snorkeling equipment.
• InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa offers cultural and craft activities plus the Lagoonarium, a natural aquarium area. From 50,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night.

Boost your Hilton Honors balance with credit card bonuses (including some limited-time offers) like the Hilton Honors American Express Card offering 90,000 welcome points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months ($0 annual fee, see rates & fees), Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offering 130,000 welcome points after you spend $4,000 in the first four months ($95 annual fee, see rates & fees) or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, where the bonus offer is 150,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months (annual fee of $450, see rates & fees).

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If the InterContinental resorts look good to you, consider getting the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card. One of its perks is the fourth night of an award stay is free.

Read more about traveling to French Polynesia:

• Transfer to Paradise: How to Take a Cheap Ferry from Tahiti to Moorea
• Moorea or Bora Bora--Which Island Paradise is Right for You?
• Eating Your Way Through Tahiti's Famed Food Trucks
• Best French Polynesia Hotels to Book with Points or Citi Prestige 4th Night Free
• La Orana Tahiti: Polaris to PPT on United's 787-8 Dreamliner
• Last Leg to Paradise: Air Tahiti (ATR 72) in Economy from Tahiti to Bora Bora

Cook Islands (Rarotonga)

The 15 islands of the Cook Islands are politically connected to New Zealand, with the New Zealand dollar the currency and Cook Islanders citizens of New Zealand. Indeed, most of the tourists you'll encounter there are Kiwis, and many locals will tell you about their time living in Auckland or Wellington.

Rarotonga is the largest island, but at just 26 square miles, it's not very large -- it takes about an hour to drive the whole way around. It's also best for family travelers, with easy connections from New Zealand, Australia and Los Angeles on Air New Zealand. Aitutaki is the second-most visited island in the Cooks, but a bit smaller than Rarotonga, and more expensive to get to.

Rarotonga is well-loved -- especially among New Zealanders -- as a family-friendly destination, for good reason. It's very laid back -- the speed limit around the whole island is just 50 kilometers per hour -- and off the east coast is a tranquil lagoon, ideal for kids to play in because there are no crashing waves. The locals are also very welcoming of kids.

Muri Beach is the most "touristy" part of the island, but that does't mean it's very built up or developed by international standards. At Muri Beach you can enjoy a lagoon cruise with snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and a fantastic night market four nights a week, with lots of kid-friendly food like fresh juices and waffles as well as local ika mata (marinated raw fish).

Accommodations on Rarotonga are pretty low-key, with many family-run cottages and boutique resorts. It's easy to find a good deal on Airbnb , but expect prices for everything from lodging to food to be on par with New Zealand. (There is a Sheraton Hotel, but it was never completed, and is now abandoned. Locals say it's cursed...)

Vanuatu, formerly a French colony, is east of northern Australia and popular with Australian travelers, as it's a short three-hour flight from Brisbane or Sydney. It's also accessible from Los Angeles.

Vanuatu frequently makes the cut on "best volcanoes in the world" lists (such as 5 Volcanoes Perfect for Lava Chasers , and 10 Active Volcanoes to See in Your Lifetime ). Mount Yasur is exceptionally active -- it's been erupting since at least 1774, when Captain James Cook recorded seeing it, and has been even more active since 2013. It's one of Vanuatu's most popular tourist attractions, although not one that families with younger kids should get too close to.

Families traveling to Vanuatu tend to like Port Vila, the capital. There are many activities for younger kids there, and even resorts where, for a few dollars, you can use facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds and private beaches. Older kids and teenagers would also enjoy staying on Espiritu Santo, the largest island of Vanuatu, where you can dive to a shipwreck and enjoy great beaches.

Along with French Polynesia, Fiji is one of the more popular Pacific island nations. There are many islands to choose from (330 in total, although only about one-third of those are inhabited), a wide range of accommodations, beautiful beaches and culture that's a mix of indigenous Fijian and Indian. Fiji can be reached from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

Fiji's capital is Suva, but the international airport is at Nadi, on the opposite side of Viti Levu island. While outlying islands like Vanua Levu and Taveuni are popular, if you are traveling with kids it makes sense to stick closer to Nadi and Suva. Port Denarau, Sonaisali Island (actually a peninsula) and Momi Bay are close to Nadi, and convenient places to stay if you want to limit domestic transfers in Fiji as well as stay close to facilities like medical care.

Fiji is famously kid-friendly: travelers with kids have found that they were always ushered to the front of lines and had waitstaff helping out so parents could eat in (relative) peace. Restaurants are well-equipped to cater to kids. Many resorts have kids' clubs, too.

Some family-friendly points hotels in Fiji include:

• Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay has a kids' club and a pool just for little ones. Category 5 from 35,000 Marriott points per night.
• DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji - Sonaisali Island has a babysitting service and a daily kids' club. From 34,000 to 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
• Sheraton Fiji Denarau promotes itself as a particularly family-friendly resort, with activities for kids and savings on meals for under-12s. Category 5 from 35,000 Marriott points per night.
• Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa has a complimentary kids club and five different pools. Category 5 from 35,000 Marriott points per night.

Note that you can use a Marriott 35k free night certificate at several resorts in Fiji.

Read more about traveling to Fiji:

• 6 Reasons Your Family Needs to Visit Fiji
• Fiji Airways Joins Oneworld Connect, but What Does it Mean Exactly?

Federated States of Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia are definitely the "wild card" of this list, but travelers with older kids who are looking for an adventure should keep this island nation of 600+ islands and four states on their radar.

Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae and Pohnpei are especially renowned for their incredible coral reefs and diving sites dotted with World War II-era wrecks, as well as stunningly beautiful beaches. There are also ancient archaeological ruins scattered around the islands, including the Nan Madol UNESCO World Heritage Site on Pohnpei. Each of these four states is comprised of many islands, and has its own culture and language. Pohnpei and Kosrae offer the widest range of activities and attractions, both on the water and inland. Don't expect luxury resorts here, but there are some midrange eco-lodges.

The Federated States of Micronesia are a bit more of an effort to get to than, say, Tahiti, but with some planning they're not so difficult. They feature on United's Island Hopper service, which begins in Honolulu and continues to Majuro (Marshall Islands), Kwajalein Atoll (Marshall Islands -- approved military personnel only), Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and ends in Guam (USA). This incredible route allows passengers one stopover, although they can disembark at all stops except Kwajalein.

It can be challenging to get flights on the Island Hopper on points, but not impossible. The service has been covered on The Points Guy many times, so check out some of the following articles for tips on how to get to Micronesia on the cheap:

• Review: United's Island Hopper from Honolulu (HNL) to Guam (GUM)
• Maximizing United's Island Hopper Flight
• Maximizing the United Island Hopper Using United's Excursionist Perk
• Flying United's Island Hopper and Visiting the Marshall Islands
• 12 Things to Know Before Flying the United Island Hopper
• Your Guide to the Best Seats on United's Honolulu to Guam Island Hopper

Bottom Line

We love Hawaii but if your family is up for a bit more of an adventure, it's time to sample some other Pacific island destinations. Yes, it will take you a fair number of miles and points (or plenty of cash) but the experience is well worth it. If you're based on the West Coast, getting to the Pacific from the USA isn't hard or even as long a trip as you might think. Go for it!

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex, please click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass, please click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire Amex, click here.

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The Definitive Guide to Choosing a South Pacific Island for Your Holiday

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The South Pacific can be summed up in three words: big, blue and beautiful.

This vast region covers more than 800,000 square kilometres of land and stretches from the top of Australia all the way to Hawaii. It’s also home to some of the most picturesque holiday destinations in the world.

The area is divided into three ocean-bound regions: Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. The island nations found within these regions are all unique and have their own distinct characteristics. Some islands like Fiji and Vanuatu are well known, full of five-star resorts, water sports, and tourist attractions. Others are off the beaten track and offer a more rustic experience.

The South Pacific Islands might be small in size but they’re big in spirit, each location brings with it bespoke cultural traditions and culinary specialties. The history and tradition in these islands run deep, much like the surrounding turquoise seas.

What makes the Pacific Islands so great?

The crystal-clear water, warm sunny weather, and pristine white-sand beaches make these places undeniably stunning. But it’s the sheer diversity between each island destination that ensures there really is something for everyone: beach, food, nature, culture or adventure.

Most of the islands are only a short plane trip away which means they’re perfect if you can only afford a few days off work, or you’re travelling with kids and are worried about flight duration.

The tourism infrastructure varies island to island, but most destinations have regular flights with straightforward connections, which means most Pacific Island holidays are cheap and easy.

So, which South Pacific Island should you visit?

Whether you’re the up-at-6am type who jumps on jet skis and spends all day climbing mountains, or the poolside chiller who has the room service menu memorised after one day – each island provides a unique setting and different activities to cater to your needs. Read on to see which South Pacific Island is best for your next holiday…

The Cook Islands

A beguiling blend of Polynesian and New Zealand culture exists right across the Cook Island s’ 15 little islands. You get the picturesque Polynesian landscape and unparalleled hospitality, with all the safety and infrastructure from New Zealand – this makes it the best South Pacific Island for family trips.

Rarotonga is home to an assortment of kid-friendly resorts and has ample outdoor activities such as snorkelling, golf, tennis, sailing or scuba diving to keep the whole family entertained.

If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, hire a scooter and explore some of the island’s intricate natural tapestry, like the entrancing underwater world of the low-lying coral reefs and vibrant lagoons. (Browse a few Cook Islands  Hot Deals !)

What’s yum?

Head to Rarotonga beach and experience a traditional ‘Island Night’ Polynesian feast. This is pork slow-cooked in an earthen oven with taro root and other local produce, and it is just as delicious as it sounds.

Fiji is the most popular island in the South Pacific, attracting more than 690,000 visitors each year, which is nearly the same as the rest of the islands combined. Still, the island has managed to retain that wild and exotic feel.

Fiji boasts incredible landscapes, lush tropical and pine vegetation juxtaposed against white sandy beaches and pristine blue-green waters. Its waters host an abundance of marine life and vibrant soft coral reefs which makes it an ideal location for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

The island is full of top quality resorts with all family-friendly amenities parents can need. Also, there are plenty of adventure or relaxation opportunities around. Enjoy a hang at the beach or, if you’re more adventurous, take a thrilling zipline adventure over the rainforest. Fiji is lovingly referred to as the ‘Land of Smiles’ and its people are what make this island truly unique. Their generous and warm spirit wraps around you like a big hug. Their big smiles and cheeky laughter are infectious – it’s impossible to not have fun.

Kava : Fijians consider it their national drink. It’s made from the powdered root of a pepper tree with an earthy flavour and calming, soporific effect. Quite different from alcohol, a kava ceremony is very important in Fijian culture and tradition – a must-experience!

Tahiti & Her Islands

For those of you who want to enjoy a fresh-baked baguette with your breath-taking beach backdrop, Tahiti is for you. The lovechild of French and Polynesian culture, Tahiti and Her Islands are all about luxe living in the lap of nature.

Tahitian resorts incorporate opulent European refinements with laid-back South Pacific style – try French sophistication with an island chill-factor – a truly winning combination. That’s why these beauties were known as French Polynesia not a long while ago. Now it’s Tahiti & Her Islands.

Sure, it’s beautiful and luxurious, but Tahiti’s real strength is its versatility. You can sip on a wine from a tropical vineyard, partake in some hip-shaking Tahitian dancing, explore the turquoise wonderland or go gung-ho on a quadbike… your wish is Tahiti’s command.

Holidaying in Tahiti is a 4320p dream brought to life. The colours are vibrant, the waters are warm and the people are friendly, what more could you want? Oh, and let’s not forget Tahiti’s overwater bungalows – at some point in life, we’ve all put a Bora Bora overwater bungalow as our desktop wallpaper.

Poisson cru: This is practically the national dish of Tahiti. It consists of raw fish and diced vegetables which have been soaked in coconut milk and marinated in lime juice. It’s seriously melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Pristine beaches surround the rugged volcanic islands of Samoa , a fantastic display of Mother Nature’s handiwork. Samoa has managed to stay largely unscathed by flocking tourists and boasts an array of awe-inducing sights: abundant rainforests with powerful waterfalls and blowholes, world-class reefs and high mountain peaks.

From the basic beach huts ( fales)  to the relaxed local attitude, it’s all about slowing down and appreciating the simple things in life. There are few organised activities, the pace of life here is chilled even by South Pacific standards, which makes Samoa the perfect place to chill out and soak up your surroundings.

Head to Apia’s food market, Maketi Fou, to try local food cooked the traditional way. We recommend trying a plateful of Fa’ausi, which is baked coconut bread smothered in coconut caramel!

If you’re not about that flashy hotel life or tourist hype, Tonga is the place for you. It’s one of the most pristine islands in the Pacific – unpolished and unrefined, but strikingly beautiful.

It’s one of the least-developed islands in the Pacific and brings with it an understated charm. Chicken and pigs freely roam about with the locals; life here slowly ticks along to the endless lapping of the South Pacific. Tonga’s beaches offer everything from deep-sea diving to kayaking, even the chance to swim with humpback whales, and its steep-sided valleys and soaring peaks are perfect for hiking.

But if relaxation is what you’re after, set your watch to ‘Tonga time’ and let the good times roll.

Topai:  Delicious doughnut balls which are served with syrup and coconut milk.

• Solomon Islands

The Solomons is an archipelago of 992 islands located in the South Pacific, 150 of which are inhabited. At just over three hours from Sydney, it’s one of Australia’s closest neighbours, yet it’s one of the least-visited destinations in the Pacific.

This is good news as the culture remains intact and the scenery pristine. The Solomons offers a remote, real and unfiltered island experience, devoid of Western preoccupations. Most locals here survive off the land and sea, watching them go around work and life is a stark contrast to our tech-muddled days.

The snorkelling in the Solomons is second to none, the luminous underwater world is teeming with exotic marine life and there’s even a ‘graveyard’ of sunken planes and ships from WWII. This area is referred to as “the last frontier of the Pacific” and it’s easy to see why. Though you might be a short flight from home, you can feel totally isolated from the world… and your worries.

Poi:  This delicate and delicious side dish is arguably the national dish of the Solomons. It’s made by pounding cooked taro roots into a paste – it can be eaten straight away or left to ferment for a couple of days (sour poi).

Niue, or the ‘Rock of Polynesia’, is known for its soaring limestone cliffs and colourful coral-reef dive sites. It sits in the middle of the triangle formed by Tonga, Samoa and The Cook Islands. It might be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it’s home to the one of the largest raised coral atolls on earth.

This narrow reef shelf, which drops off into the indigo depths, means dolphin and humpback whales are permanent residents in Niue and dramatically close at hand.

Niue is not for the faint-hearted. You need to put a bit of effort in and walk, hike, climb, even swim, to some attractions, but you’ll be rewarded with utterly breath-taking views and experiences.

Whether it’s the unspoilt rainforest, spectacular caves, cliff-encircled chasm pools or the jagged coral pinnacles, Niue is proof that you don’t need to be big to be beautiful!

Nane Pia:  Otherwise known as ‘Niuean porridge’ is a translucent porridge made from arrowroot and coconut.

• New Caledonia

Like Tahiti, New Caledonia is an amalgamation of French and South Pacific culture. Some streets resemble a distant suburb of Paris and, as in France, good food and wine is easy to find.

Cafes and bars are scattered along the beach and provide all kinds of French-Melanesian gourmet delights for you to enjoy while you bask in the beautiful beach views. New Caledonia is full of natural wonders, its picture-perfect blue lagoon is the world’s largest lagoon, and it’s truly breathtaking. It also has the second largest great barrier reef, and the marine biodiversity is exceptional with  more than 9,000 identified species!

So, immerse yourself in the world of coral, caves, canyons and croissants, New Caledonia is a place impossible to forget.

Bulime/Isle of Pines snail:  The escargot of the South Pacific Islands. Bulime (snails) from the Isles of Pines, are served simply with garlic and butter. A local delicacy you just have to try!

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There are as many distinct holiday packages for different travellers as there are sights and experiences in these islands! Whether you’re travelling as a family, group, solo adventuring or honeymooning – there will be a resort and a South Pacific holiday package just perfect for your needs!

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What You Need to Know About Tahiti

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If a trip to Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia is on your travel radar, chances are you'll be heading there with someone special .

Nature seems to have custom-made these dreamy South Pacific islands for two. The scenery is spectacular, the water is crystal-clear, and those thatched-roof overwater bungalows rank among the planet's sexiest places to sleep.

And yet families will also find a trip to Tahiti to be a sun-filled (albeit pricey ) playground, as some resorts and islands have begun to cater to parents and children. Here's some facts about what you need to know as you begin planning your visit.

The 118 islands of French Polynesia (an autonomous nation with ties to France) are located in the middle of the South Pacific , about eight hours by air from Los Angeles and midway between Hawaii and Fiji .

Spread over two million square miles, they are divided into several groups. Tahiti, the largest island and home to the capital city, Papeete , is part of the most-visited group, the Society Islands, which also includes Moorea and Bora Bora .

More far-flung are the tiny coral atolls of the Tuamotu Islands, such as Fakarava and Tikehau, and the dramatic Marquesas Islands. Tourists rarely visit two additional groups, the Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands.

Tahiti is a tropical destination with abundant sunshine, year-round air and water temperatures of about 80 degrees, and two main seasons, summer and winter. The ideal time to visit is during the clear, dry winter months of May to October. Yet even during the more humid summer months of November to April, showers are mainly sporadic (typically late-afternoon and overnight) and there's usually plenty of sunshine.

Getting There

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the gateway to French Polynesia. The islands' official carrier, Air Tahiti Nui offers daily non-stops to Papeete's Faa'a Airport (PPT), while Air France, Air New Zealand, and Qantas fly several times a week. You can also fly to Papeete nonstop from Honolulu on a weekly Hawaiian Airlines flight.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Suggested Itineraries

With multiple combinations possible among the 15 or so islands with tourism infrastructure, which should you choose? It depends on your experience and interests.

First timers: On their virgin visit to French Polynesia, travelers typically stay for seven to 10 days and stick with a circuit of three islands: Tahiti, where you may have to stay overnight upon arrival or prior to departure, depending on flight times; Moorea, a lush, emerald-hued island located just a short flight or ferry ride away from Papeete; and Bora Bora, the crowning glory of the Society Islands with its magnificent Mt. Otemanu peak and world-famous lagoon.

Specialized interests: Repeat visitors, honeymooners, and scuba divers often bypass Tahiti and Moorea and head to islands a bit further afield.

A great combo for second-time visitors or romantics is Bora Bora, where the views never get old; Taha'a, located a short flight from Bora Bora with excellent pearl and vanilla farms; and Tikehau, Manihi or one of the other secluded Tuamotu atolls, where the main activities are snorkeling, sunning, and relaxation.

Divers typically head for the amazing coral reefs of Rangiroa, which is ranked as one of the world's great dive destinations. Adventure-seekers enjoy exploring the Marquesas, where ancient tribal lore and customs are commonplace.

Is Tahiti Expensive?

Yes, for a number of reasons. Almost everything except fresh seafood and tropical fruit has to be shipped in from a great distance - making food the most obvious expense. Add in the high cost of electricity and a currency tied to the euro, making the exchange pricey for Americans. Bora Bora and Taha'a resorts tend to be priciest, while those on Tahiti, Moorea, and the Tuamotus can be a third to a half less. To save, choose a beach bungalow over an overwater bungalow and look for a package with breakfast included. A variety of sources are now also offering package deals, that include air, accommodations, and sometimes even certain meals, making a visit more affordable than ever.

Do I Need a Visa?

No, for stays of 90 days or less, citizens of the United States and Canada need only a valid passport.

Is English Spoken?

Somewhat. Tahiti's two official languages are Tahitian and French, but you will find that most hotel employees speak English, as do people who work in shops or for tour companies.

Do They Use Dollars?

No. French Polynesia's official currency is the French Pacific Franc, abbreviated as XPF. You can exchange money at your resort and there are a few ATM machines on Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Some vendors in local handicrafts markets will accept U.S. dollars.

What Is the Electric Voltage?

You will find both 110 and 220 volts, depending on the hotel or resort. Bring an adapter set and a converter to make sure you're covered.

What Is the Time Zone?

It's the same as Hawaii: Three hours earlier than Pacific Standard Time and six hours earlier than Eastern Standard Time (adjusted to two hours and five hours, respectively, from November to March).

Do I Need Shots?

None are required for residents of North America, but making sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date is a good idea. Also, pack plenty of bug repellent, as Tahiti has its share of mosquitoes and other insects.

Which Islands Are Most Family-Friendly?

The Societies - Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora - where a number of resorts have added accommodations suited to families, as well as kids programs.

Can I Cruise the Islands?

Yes. Several ships visit the islands. They include the m/s Paul Gauguin , a 320-passenger luxury ship, offering varied itineraries within French Polynesia and the neighboring Cook Islands year-round; the Royal Princess , a 670-passenger cruise ship, offering 10-day roundtrip sailings from Papeete and 12-day cruises between Hawaii and Papeete; and the Aranui 3 , a combo freighter /passenger ship that makes scheduled two-week runs from Papeete to the Marquesas.

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Fiji: Hike, Raft & Snorkel

• Walk the beautiful Coral Coast, learning about the cultural significance of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park from a local guide.
• Get your pulse racing as you raft through the heart of Fiji’s highlands at Upper Navua Gorge, and take the plunge with a swim at one of Fiji’s most picture-perfect waterfalls in Nabalesere.
• Relax along the shores of Pacific Harbour, then take a boat to the paradisiacal island of Nananu-i-Ra for a snorkelling adventure with the local tropical fish.
• Go on a full day’s hike through the grasslands into Naga to Nubutautau villages, hearing firsthand about the history of the area from expert guides and local villagers.
• Discover the Fijian centres of Nadi and Suva – with the option to extend your stay before or after the expedition, you’ll be relaxing as soon as you step foot on the island.

Galapagos Islands & The Amazon Rainforest

• Enjoy the beach at the Galapagos, searching for Blue-Footed Boobies and sea lions
• Stay at Huasquila Amazon Lodge, the only accessible destination in the Ecuadorian Amazon
• Engage, dance, and eat with an indigenous community
• Raft through the Amazon River with a professional team
• Tour Quito´s Colonial Center, declared a World Culture Heritage site by UNESCO

Samoa & Fiji Adventure

• Make the most of the pristine water and slide down a natural rockslide into the waterholes at Papase’ea. Visit the stunning sandy beaches Vauvua and Lalomanu and snorkel in Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, teeming with tropical fish and coral. 
• Be amazed by the ancient Star Mounds in Cape Falealupo, one of Samoa's most sacred places, and the remains of the Virgin's grave and the LMS Church. Walk across lava fields – evidence of the destructive eruption in 1905. 
• Enjoy a fiafia night – a traditional celebration of dance, costumes, music and feasting on dishes cooked in an umu oven using hot volcanic rock.
• Get your pulse racing as you raft through the heart of Fiji’s highlands at Upper Navua Gorge, and take the plunge with a swim at one of Fiji’s most picture-perfect waterfalls in Nabalesere. 
• Go on a full day’s hike through the grasslands into Naga to Nubutautau villages, hearing firsthand about the history of the area from expert guides and local villagers. 

Fijian Explorer 14D/13N

• Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches of the Yasawa Islands See traditional fire dancers perform on Robinson Crusoe Island Discover the caves, rivers, waterfalls, and rainforest of Viti Levu

Vanuatu & Fiji Adventure

• Travel to the home of the John Frum movement in Tanna, learning about how these indigenous villages have incorporated WWII iconography into their religious traditions.
• Hike to the rim of Mt Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and in the evening watch the smoke and lava billowing create a natural fireworks display (from a safe distance, of course).
• Snorkel in the clear waters around Pele and see the remarkable coral reef that is protected as part of a marine reserve.

Fiji Viti Levu Island Experience 6D/5N

• Immerse yourself in local culture with a traditional kava ceremony See authentic fire dancers perform on Robinson Crusoe Island Discover the caves, rivers, waterfalls, and rainforest of Viti Levu

Luxurious Fiji

• Enjoy a traditional kava ceremony.
• Arrive at your resort in style on a helicopter transfer across the islands.
• Snorkel and kayak in the turquoise waters surrounding your resort.
• Relax in your own beachfront bure overlooking the lagoon.

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Fabulous Fiji

• Relax and enjoy the many pristine white sandy beaches
• Venture into the Garden of Sleeping Giant
• Discover the Viseisei Village, the legendary landing site of the first Fijians
• Enjoy the view of the West’s mountain ranges from Vuda Lookout
• Choose from the many optional activities on offer

Down Under Discovery with Fiji

• Auckland: Sightseeing; dinner atop Sky Tower
• Waitomo: Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Rotorua: Enjoy a Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner; visit Te Puia, the Agrodome, and Rainbow Springs; behind the-scenes visit at the Kiwi Encounter
• Mount cook: Sightseeing in Mount Cook National Park; visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center
• Queenstown: Visit Fiordland National Park and cruise on Milford Sound; cruise on Lake Wakatipu; dinner & farm demonstration at Walter Peak High Country Farm

Highlights of the South Pacific with Fiji

• Auckland : Orientation; excursion to Waiheke Island with winery visit and lunch
• Matamata: Visit the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings trilogy
• Rotorua: Visit Waimungu Volcanic Valley; enjoy a Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner
• Queenstown: Gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for dinner; visit Fiordland National Park and cruise on Milford Sound

Great Sights of Australia with Fiji

Spectacular Australia with the Historic Ghan Train with Fiji

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Best Pacific Islands Tours by Price

Top Pacific Islands Attractions

• Exploring French Polynesia on a small ship cruise
• Spending some time in a Fijian village and learning about the local culture
• Exploring the enigmatic archaeological mystery of Easter Island
• Scuba diving along the idyllic Polynesian coastline

Pacific Islands Tours & Travel

Pacific Islands Attractions & Landmarks Guide

If Tahiti and Bora Bora represent the greatest tropical escape in the rest of the world's imaginations, consider really getting away from it all in the Marquesas, also part of French Polynesia but among the most remote isles on earth. You can explore all of the region by small ship cruises.

Fiji -- with its mix of native Melanesians and East Indians and its history of cannibalism (which ended in the mid-19th century) -- is lush and exotic. Easter Island -- a Polynesian outpost that is so far east it's part of Chile in South America -- is home to the famous moai, huge, heavy statues that were quarried miles from their final resting places, puzzling archaeologists and anthropologists since their initial discovery. 

Farther Afield

The Micronesian islands of Palau, Yap, Kosrae, and Ponape offer exceptional diving and snorkeling in the western Pacific waters, and are known for the wreckages of World War II planes to explore. Their lands are also lush and beautiful, and Yap continues its longtime tradition of trading in currency carved from giant stones.

The Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea are all islands waiting for adventurous travelers to come their way. 

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Pacific travel: The best time for a beachy island holiday

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Time for a beach holiday. Photo / 123rf

When it comes to beach-focused holidays, it’s hard to beat our Pacific neighbours. Any time is generally a good time for an island getaway, but if you’re planning a trip and not sure when to book, keep these tips on your radar, writes Sara Bunny.

Whether you’re making memories with a family group, escaping on a romantic getaway for two, or heading for adventure in the outer islands, Fiji is the sort of spot that ticks the boxes for every type of traveller. Weather-wise, November-April is generally the hottest and wettest time to visit, while May-October is when you’ll find milder temperatures and drier days.

In the hot season, it’s no surprise that mid-December-mid January is the busiest as sunseekers make the most of their holiday break but if you prefer to avoid the crowds, February-March is generally much quieter and cheaper. While the dry season is slightly cooler, you can still expect warm days with temps sitting around 25C. It can get busy though, with Southern Hemisphere dwellers turning up in July-August to beat the winter chill, as well as European travellers on a big adventure during their own summer break. If you’re planning a winter trip sans kids, be sure to get in before the July school holidays.

When it comes to top events in Fiji, keep a lookout for the Bula Festival in Nadi in July, the South Indian Fire-Walking Festival in August, Fiji Regatta Week in September, and Diwali festivities in October.

Cook Islands

With the Aitutaki Marathon in March, the Aitutaki Liftoff in late August featuring weightlifting and a range of endurance events, and the thrilling Vaka Eiva canoe champs on Rarotonga’s Muri Beach in November, sporty types have plenty to choose from in the Cook Islands. From May to October, easterly trade winds attract kitesurfers from around the globe to Rarotonga’s Muri Lagoon and Aitutaki’s stunning open waters, with the week-long Manureva Festival in August for the pros and lessons on offer for beginners.

But of course, if you would rather lie by the beach with a book, there’s plenty of time for that too, with warm temperatures year-round. Like most places in this corner of the world, Rarotonga’s high season is July-August, when weather is tip-top but accommodation prices are higher and local cafes are packed. Low season falls between January-March, and brings short, sharp downpours and temperatures up to 30C, but far less traffic in Rarotonga’s famous lagoon. Shoulder season in the Cook Islands runs from April-May and September-October, when humidity levels are at their lowest.

Like many tropical locales, Samoa has two distinct seasons instead of four: wet season and dry season. Between November and April, the wet season is in full swing, and it’s also the time when about 70 per cent of the annual rainfall that keeps Samoa’s lush waterfalls flowing takes place. That’s not to say it rains constantly, more like short bursts before the skies clear again, but it’s when humidity hits its max and temperatures climb into the early 30s. If a bit of rain is going to spoil your fun, dry season between June and September could be your best bet, when humidity levels are at their lowest and temperatures hover in the late 20s. However, dry season is also high season, (July and August are typically the country’s busiest months), and as trade winds start their swirl around the Pacific, there’s a higher chance of strong breezes from July onwards.

Budget-conscious travellers might have most luck over April and May, when hotels can be cheaper before the crowds escaping the Kiwi winter start to descend.

Clear waters, amazing wildlife and laidback vibes beckon visitors to the “rock of the Pacific”, where temperatures are warm throughout the year. But if you really want to see the humpback whales that swim close to Niue shores, July to September is your best bet. As scores of huge humpbacks pass by the island annually to breed and raise their calves, it’s not uncommon to see the majestic mammals splashing a mere 20m from shore, and licensed local operators run tours to see the whales up close. As well as sea creatures, you can also expect to find some of the country’s best weather around this time, (with a month or two either side), best conditions for diving and snorkelling, and highest visitor numbers. From November to March, fewer tourists can mean better deals on flights and accommodation, but it’s also the time when the barometer climbs to the late 20s, with more showers and higher humidity.

Combining lush landscapes and bountiful beaches with luxe hotels and shopping galore, it’s easy to see why Hawaii is a Kiwi holiday hotspot. Consistent temperatures between 25-30C mean you’re pretty much guaranteed tropical warmth all year round, and here, seasons are defined more by tourist crowds than weather. In December and January, US holidaymakers flock to the “Aloha State” to escape the American winter, causing price surges in their wake. June and July see another tourist spike, so if you’re looking to escape the Southern Hemisphere winter, waiting until September will give you the best chance of avoiding the mid-year crowds. Hawaii’s spring low season from March-May is another ideal time to visit, as prices have usually cooled off, rainfall is lower, trade winds have reduced to a breeze and gardens are in full bloom.

Hawaii boasts events galore, including the Aloha Festival in September, April’s Merrie Monarch Festival on the Big Island, a dance spectacular known as the “Olympics of hula”, and King Kamehameha Day in June. On the quirky side, the Waikiki Spam Jam in late April is a huge celebration of the country’s favourite canned meat.

If the beach is your happy place, you’re sure to find your bliss on one of Tonga’s white sandy shores. With more than 170 islands in the kingdom, beaches include coral-fringed spots for top-notch snorkelling, remote sandy spits for romantic strolls, sheltered lagoons for family-friendly paddling, and palm-lined stretches for lengthy lounging. And best of all, you can always find a secluded patch of seaside paradise if avoiding other tourists is the goal. While temperatures vary slightly between the widely-scattered islands, the best time to visit Tonga is generally between May and November. It’s when humidity levels are more comfortable, and if you visit between July and October, you may even spot humpback whales on their annual migration. From late June to early July, the annual Heilala Festival includes street parades, a beauty pageant, and a range of King’s birthday celebrations that showcase the traditions and culture of Tonga.

French Polynesia

Whether you’re dreaming of Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows, Tahiti’s bustling markets, Moorea’s sandy bays or something further afield, French Polynesia is a true Pacific paradise. Here, where 118 islands are scattered across a patch of ocean the size of Europe, you know there will always be something new to explore. June-September is the peak season but it’s also arguably the best time to visit, with sunny, settled weather sitting around 25C, low rainfall and excellent diving and snorkelling. September is the month with the longest daylight hours, and the time you’re most likely to see humpback whales breaching the water’s surface – but you can also expect bigger tourist crowds. Either side of peak season, December-February is for those who like it hot, with temperatures soaring to the early 30s with high humidity, while March-May means mild weather, the odd shower, and a quieter island vibe.

Top festivities on the events calendar include the five-day Tahiti Pearl Regatta in May, and Heiva I Tahiti in July, an action-packed cultural festival with singing, dancing, and chest-rattling percussion beats.

With 80 islands to skip between, Vanuatu boasts ancient culture, diverse scenery and some of the best diving in the world. Here, finding a sandy, palm-lined stretch beside striking turquoise waters is easy, with some of the most popular seaside spots including Espiritu Santo’s Champagne Beach, and Efate’s Paradise Cove and Coconut Beach. April-October is a prime time to visit, (especially if you can avoid the June-August tourist rush) as it’s outside the wet season and humidity levels are at their most manageable. With Southern Hemisphere travellers on the move for summer holidays, December-January is peak season across Vanuatu, however, if you’re looking for a quieter experience on the main islands and the chance of cheaper hotels, February-March is often a good bet for budget-conscious and crowd-averse visitors. Just be prepared for a few showers and be sure to pack a good mosquito repellent.

If you’re planning a trip, keep a lookout for the incredible Naghol land diving on Pentecost Island from April-June, and the sacred kastom rituals on Ambrym Island that are often open for visitors to attend, like the Fanla Rom Dance and the Yam and Magic Festival.

New Caledonia

A unique mix of French and Melanesian culture, New Caledonia has a style and vibe all of its own. Sitting alongside the main island of Grande Terre, its five smaller siblings – Ouvéa, Lifou, Maré, Isle of Pines and Tiga, make up the nearby Loyalty Islands Province within the New Caledonian archipelago. Regardless of which spot you choose, you’ll find soft white sands and lush tropical scenery, although Ouvéa and Isle of Pines are most popular with beach-lovers.

On these charming isles, September-November is peak season, when the weather is at its pristine best and the chance of rain is lowest. Although, with an average of 345 sunshine days a year, rain is never too much of an issue in this corner of the Pacific. You can often find better travel deals between February and July.

Away from the beaches and outdoor activities, immerse yourself in the Kanak culture of the indigenous peoples of New Caledonia. Many of the islands offer homestays in traditional Kanak huts, and there are a range of tours on offer that delve into Kanak customs and foods. With French the official and most widely-spoken language, it’s helpful to brush up on a few key phrases before you go.

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News | From axolotls to poison dart frogs, new…

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News | From axolotls to poison dart frogs, new Aquarium of the Pacific exhibit features amphibians for all

The new exhibit, "frogs: facing a changing world," opens to the public on friday, may 24..

The new exhibit, dubbed “FROGS: Facing a Changing World,” features more than 20 unique amphibians, from Mexican axolotls to blue poison dart frogs — and plenty of information about what threats these creatures are currently facing.

“Guests will be able to discover a newly reimagined section of the Tropical Pacific Gallery featuring frogs found in a variety of countries,” AOTP said in a Thursday, May 23 news release, “peek behind-the-scenes to watch Aquarium staff care for frogs from eggs to adults, and see a new space in Pacific Visions highlighting California and Baja frogs.”

The Aquarium’s new exhibit, “FROGS: Facing a Changing World,” opens to the public on Friday, May 24. (Photo courtesy Aquarium of the Pacific).

Amphibians — including frogs, salamanders, and toads — play a vital role in various ecosystems across the world, including our own here in California, the aquarium said.

Aside from helping to keep mosquito populations in check, thus benefiting humans by reducing their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, amphibians are an important food source for larger animals including birds and fish.

Frogs and other amphibians are considered indicator species, which means that they help us know what is going on within an ecosystem,” the Aquarium said, “because of their sensitivity to environmental pollutants, habitat disruption, and other factors in addition to indicating ecosystem diversity due their role in the food web.”

But despite their critical importance to myriad ecosystems and food webs generally, many amphibian populations are endangered or at risk of becoming endangered.

Climate change, of course, is among the issues impacting various amphibian populations, the Aquarium said. Droughts, wildfires, and other extreme weather events which have a profound impact on the environment, in turn, harm amphibians.

A Sonoran Desert toad. (Photo courtesy of Robin Riggs/Aquarium of the Pacific.)

A Solomon Island leaf frog. (Photo courtesy of Robin Riggs/Aquarium of the Pacific).

A mossy frog. (Photo courtesy of Robin Riggs/Aquarium of the Pacific).

A Western green toad. The Aquarium of the Pacific will opening a new exhibit focused on frogs and amphibians starting Friday, May 24. (Photo courtesy of Robin Riggs/Aquarium of the Pacific.)

A prehensile-tailed skink. (Photo courtesy of Robin Riggs/Aquarium of the Pacific).

A Panamanian golden frog. (Photo courtesy of Robin Riggs/Aquarium of the Pacific).

“Frogs and other amphibians are sensitive to environmental changes,” the Aquarium said, “and are often missing where climate change has impacted the ecosystem.”

Amphibians are also threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, logging, and human development, the Aquarium said.

A unique threat facing amphibians, though, is the prevalence of chytrid fungus around the world.

Frogs and other amphibians, the Aquarium said, have slick skin they use to breathe. The fungus, though, eats away at their skin — and eventually causes them to die.

Chytrid fungus has contributed to “dramatic population declines in at least 501 amphibian species, including 90 extinctions, over the past 50 years,” according to the Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute , and the fungus is the leading cause of amphibian death worldwide .

Amphibians, according to the Aquarium, also  face a high risk of being illegally traded as pets — another threat to their wellbeing and survival.

“Researching prior to adopting a new companion can help avoid inadvertently contributing to this global problem,” ATOP’s conservation coordinator, Erin Lundy, said. “Some ways to research include looking up the protected status of the species online, making sure the animals are bred under human care, and asking where the animal came from.”

Because AOTP is a sanctuary for animals confiscated from wildlife traffickers, they’ve seen the impacts of illegal trade on amphibians first hand.

In April 2023, for example, two young axolotls — which had been confiscated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife — were transported to the Long Beach aquarium, where the creatures arrived in poor health.

Aquarium staff, though, worked tirelessly to bring the axolotls back from the brink, and were able to do so successfully.

“The pair was successfully restored to health last summer in their behind-the-scenes area,” the news release said, “and guests to the Aquarium will be able to see them when “FROGS: Facing a Changing World” opens.”

Aside from axolotls, though, the new exhibit will also feature endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs — a native Californian species which was once the most abundant frog  in the region’s high-elevation bodies of water.

The Aquarium is part of a unique partnership with the Los Angeles and Santa Ana zoos, officials from the U.S. Geological Survey, and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife which aims to help the mountain yellow-legged frog restore its population levels.

Since signing on to the project in 2021, the Aquarium has taken in hundreds of the frogs and helped raise them from tadpoles to adult age. More than 300 raised at the Aquarium have been released back into the wild since, the news release said.

Other amphibians at the new exhibit will include:

–The red-backed poison dart frog native to Peru and Ecuador, which is listed  as a near-threatened species.

–The Australian magnificent tree frog, found in moist forest habitats and both rural and urban environments.

–The Sonoran Desert toad, native to southern Arizona, which are active at night during rainy seasons and found in underground areas during the summer.

–The critically-endangered Panamanian golden frog, whose coloration can range from gold to bright yellow to greenish yellow.

–The prehensile-tailed skink, found in the Solomon Islands, and the world’s largest living skink species.

The new exhibit, meanwhile, will open to the public on Friday, May 24. General admission tickets, which cost about $45 for adults and about $30 for kids under 12, include entry to “FROGS: Facing a Changing World.”

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Why a Small Pacific Island Territory Is Upending Nickel Prices

Violent riots in new caledonia are having an outsized global impact on critical mineral supply chains..

• Rishi Iyengar

The tiny Pacific island territory of New Caledonia entered its second week of deadly riots on Monday, with protesters blocking roads and shutting down the airport. At least six people have been killed so far, and dozens of businesses have been looted and burned, prompting France—which governs the archipelago—to impose a 12-day state of emergency. 

New Caledonia has been under French control since 1853, and it voted to remain that way as recently as 2021 despite a growing pro-independence movement. However, that movement exploded into violence last week after France approved a constitutional amendment to the island territory’s voting rules that critics say will dilute the representation of the island’s Indigenous Kanak people. 

The unrest has had an impact beyond the islands themselves—hundreds of tourists, many of them from nearby Australia and New Zealand, remain stranded because of the airport closure, and the foreign ministers of both countries have called for the resumption of flights to get their citizens out. 

It has also led to a sharp spike in the price of nickel, which has reached its highest level in nine months.

New Caledonia possesses an estimated 25 percent of the world’s nickel resources and accounts for 6 percent of global production of the metal, giving the territory a level of influence on industry that belies its size. “Anything that happens in New Caledonia is of interest to the nickel industry,” said Adrian Gardner, the principal analyst for nickel markets at the energy research firm Wood Mackenzie. 

While New Caledonian nickel mines have been operational since 1888 , their level of importance to France in particular has gone up in recent years because of a decidedly more modern technology. Nickel is a key component of the lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and a critical piece of broader global efforts to transition to more sustainable energy sources. 

But EVs account for only around 10 percent of global nickel demand today, according to Gardner. The vast majority of demand (65 percent) comes from the production of a far less cutting-edge material, but one that is perhaps even more important: stainless steel. 

New Caledonia’s two major nickel processing facilities—known as Doniambo and Koniambo—account for nearly a quarter of the global supply used in ferronickel, an alloy that is one of the key materials used in stainless steel production. “If you suddenly withdraw a quarter of the nickel required by the stainless steel industry just to stay the same, then you’ve got a mini-panic on your hands,” said Gardner. “So that is the real pressure point that New Caledonia has in terms of global nickel.” 

That might explain why France is so keen to retain control of the territory and pour water on any pro-independence efforts. “The French government’s quick response to escalating violence there is in part due to the strategic significance of New Caledonia’s nickel reserves,” said Cullen Hendrix, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and a fellow at the Payne Institute at the Colorado School of Mines. “Nickel is a strategic resource, necessary for building, supplying, and deploying modern militaries and powering the economies that sustain them. This was true in the 19th century, and with the rise of green energy technology, it’s even more true today,” Hendrix added. 

As is the case with much of 21st-century geopolitics, there is also a China factor. China has been tightening its grip on global critical mineral supply chains to bolster its electric vehicle industry— now the world’s biggest —in recent years. To obtain nickel, China’s industry has leaned particularly heavily on Indonesia , which accounts for nearly half of the metal’s global production, and the Chinese government has exerted its influence across the small but highly strategic and resource-rich Pacific island region where New Caledonia is located. 

That also plays into efforts by France—and Europe more broadly—to compete with China on electric vehicles and prevent cheap Chinese EVs from flooding the European markets. “It helps to explain why the archipelago remains under French rule,” Hendrix said. 

China may also be partly to blame for the struggles of the global nickel industry, which predate the riots by several months. In January this year, nickel prices dropped to their lowest level since September 2020, in part thanks to a massive slowdown in China’s electric vehicle industry. According to Gardner, China accounts for more than 80 percent of the global demand for nickel used in batteries. “Last year, Chinese demand for batteries and the raw materials in those batteries grew at a very low rate,” he said. “There is a real imbalance between the nickel production that was targeting that battery sector and the demand for those specific products.”

Combined with a similar dynamic in the stainless steel industry and Indonesia’s relatively cheaper production, this has resulted in a significant surplus in global nickel supplies that has prompted Swiss mining giant Glencore to announce earlier this year that it would seek to exit its New Caledonia operation in Koniambo despite promises from Paris of additional subsidies.

“Even with the French government’s proposed assistance, high operating costs and current very weak nickel market conditions means [the facility] remains an unprofitable operation,” the company said in a statement.

Should the riots and political unrest prompt further shutdowns, that surplus could very quickly be turned on its head, said William Talbot, the principal analyst for nickel and cobalt at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. “The scale of New Caledonia’s nickel industry is such that a shutdown of all mines on the island for a significant period of time could materially affect the global balance,” he said.

Paradoxically, the upheaval from the New Caledonian crisis could eventually help the industry. “Over the long run, higher prices may be a good thing, encouraging more diversification of the sector and encouraging greater investment in extraction and processing,” Hendrix said.

Christina Lu contributed reporting for this story.

Rishi Iyengar is a reporter at  Foreign Policy . Twitter:  @Iyengarish

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'Unusual event': Over 250 dead sea lion pups found on California island, puzzling researchers

More than 250 dead California sea lion pups have been observed at Año Nuevo Island, a small island off the coast of Northern California between San Francisco and Santa Cruz.

Patrick W. Robinson, a director at Año Nuevo Reserve , in an email to USA TODAY Thursday, said he first "observed an unusual increase in the number of aborted California sea lion fetuses at Año Nuevo Island about two weeks ago."

Approximately 50 dead sea lion pups were observed on May 7, with the number rising to 288 on May 14, based on an aerial survey, said Robinson, who is also a lecturer at UC Santa Cruz.

Editor's note: Some of these images may be considered graphic.

On May 16, UC Santa Cruz campus veterinarian Megan Moriarty and a local marine mammal stranding network, along with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted necropsies on several still-born pups, but "no obvious cause of death" was noted, Robinson said.

"This is definitely an unusual event, but we don't yet know the cause," Robinson said, adding that other researchers who work in the Channel Islands and Mexico have made similar observations, making it bigger than a local event.

Pups born in mid-May 'usually do not survive': Robinson

Robinson said that the Año Nuevo Island "lies at the edge of the breeding range" for sea lions and is a relatively new colony compared to the main ones in the Southern California Channel Islands. Peak pupping season for the species is mid-June, as per Robinson, and pups born in mid-May "usually do not survive."

In recent years, approximately 700 to 800 pups were born on the island, with a couple dozen stillbirths, said Robison. The wildlife expert explained that sea lion fathers are not very invested with their offspring, while mothers, who give birth to dead pups, "depart shortly after the event."

'Premature births not uncommon,' says NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries on Thursday said it is "tracking initial reports from biologists" on the sea lion pups premature deaths.

"Premature births are not uncommon with sea lions and often become numerous during El Niño periods when pregnant sea lions need to swim farther in search of shifting prey species," Michael Milstein, Senior Public Affairs Officer at NOAA said in a statement to USA TODAY. "This can leave them malnourished, leading to premature births of their pups."

Milstein said the agency, however, will not be able to determine if the recent deaths are unusual "until research teams complete their regular annual surveys of sea lion rookeries in the Channel Islands and other areas in the coming weeks."

The California sea lion population is healthy, with about 250,000 individuals, said Milstein.

The spokesperson said that they have not observed any signs of widespread disease or any other factors that may affect the sea lion population as a whole, except for the recent El Niño pattern that affected the Pacific Ocean last fall and winter. He added that the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network is "preparing for additional strandings as the summer season approaches."

Is this event related to the increase in sea lions in San Francisco?

On whether this event has anything to do with the influx of sea lions at a pier in San Francisco, Robison said that "several anomalous events happening right now, and it is not clear if they are connected."

"Many pelicans have been in distress, cormorant nesting is delayed, [the] sea lions' stillbirths, and the influx of sea lions in San Francisco's Pier," Robison said.

Why it could be happening: Brown pelicans found 'starving to death' on California coast

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @saman_shafiq7.

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Hawaii officials stress preparedness despite below-normal central Pacific hurricane season outlook

FILE - A neighborhood of single-family homes is shown Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, in Honolulu. Forecasters say this year’s hurricane season for waters around Hawaii will likely be “below-normal” with one to four tropical cyclones across the central Pacific region. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy, File)

FILE - Children play in the rubble left by the fury of Hurricane Iniki, Sept. 15, 1992, at Brennecke’s Beach near Poipu Beach, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai. Forecasters say this year’s hurricane season for waters around Hawaii will likely be “below-normal” with one to four tropical cyclones across the central Pacific region. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)

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HONOLULU (AP) — This year’s hurricane season for waters around Hawaii will likely be “below normal” with one to four tropical cyclones across the central Pacific region, forecasters said Tuesday.

A near-normal season has four or five cyclones, which include tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes.

Last year, during strong El Nino conditions, four tropical cyclones entered into the central Pacific. El Nino is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that starts with unusually warm water in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and then changes weather worldwide.

This year’s below-average prediction is due to a quick transition from El Nino to La Nina conditions, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in announcing the 2024 central Pacific hurricane season outlook Tuesday.

La Nina is a natural and temporary cooling of parts of the Pacific Ocean that also changes weather worldwide. La Nina’s effects are often opposite of El Nino, so there are more hurricanes in the Atlantic and fewer in the Pacific.

The outlook is for the overall tropical cyclone activity in the central Pacific basin, and there is no indication for how many cyclones will affect Hawaii, NOAA said. The central Pacific hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

Officials stressed the importance of preparing for extreme weather, regardless of the outlook, with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green proclaiming hurricane preparedness week.

“It’s important to prepare for that threat this season and not wait for a season where we expect it to be more active,” said Christopher Brenchley, director of NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Many Hawaii homes are single-wall construction, which make them vulnerable as global warming fuels natural disasters around the planet. Hawaii’s temperate climate means homes don’t need to trap heat, so most don’t have an additional wall to contain insulation. Structurally, their foundations aren’t often properly anchored to the ground. Their lower cost made them Hawaii’s preferred construction style for decades.

Two-thirds of the single-family homes on Oahu, an island of 1 million people where Honolulu is located, have no hurricane protections.

“So even though we have sort of a year where we expect there would be fewer storms on average because of La Nina conditions, if a storm hits the islands, all it really takes is one,” said Daniel Gilford, a climate scientist with Climate Central, a nonprofit science research group.

Warmer sea-surface temperatures worldwide over the last few decades, in part because of human-caused climate change , provides more energy for storms to grow more powerful when they do occur, Gilford said.

“We know that hurricanes are kind of like giant heat engines, almost like a heat engine in your car. You know, it takes in some amount of fuel, and then it converts that fuel into the ability to drive forward,” he said.

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Reporting by Kirsty Needham, Lucy Craymer and Jill Gralow in Sydney, Tassilo Hummel, Ingrid Melander, Augustin Turpin in Paris; writing by Ingrid Melander and Kirsty Needham; Editing by Michael Perry, Christina Fincher, Nick Macfie and Alex Richardson

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