South Pacific
If you're looking for a tropical island retreat, the South Pacific has some of the best locations to offer crystal clear emerald water, lush green mountains, welcoming locals and overall good vibes.
It makes a fantastic place to relax with a special someone as you enjoy the warm sunshine and refreshing ocean breeze.
Here you will find information and pictures from the following locations:
PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA
Home to one of the deepest natural deep-water harbors and sheltered from wind and rough seas, Pago Pago is also the capital of American Samoa.
This location is somewhere you feel safe walking around as many locals and animals alike are all very friendly and helpful.
GETTING THERE:
Fly directly into Pago Pago (PPG) or begin your travels on another island and hop from there.
Search the best rates on flights here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Find great deals on hotels here.
Traveling on a budget? Hostels provide a unique experience with extraordinary savings.
GETTING AROUND:
The best way to get around Pago Pago is via local private car hire.
If island hopping, you can search the best deals on flights here.
THINGS TO DO:
Explore options with Trip Advisor
BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Known for its emerald-green waters and picturesque mountains, you really can't go wrong with a trip to Bora Bora.
Here you will also have that once in a lifetime opportunity of swimming with sharks or stingrays!
GETTING THERE:
Flights can be booked directly to Bora Bora (BOB), and from there you may choose to island hop via ferries or local flights.
Search the best rates on flights here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Find great deals on hotels here.
GETTING AROUND:
The best way of getting around Bora Bora is via local car hire.
THINGS TO DO:
Get Your Guide or explore more options with Trip Advisor
SUVA, FIJI
Very lush countryside with many different animals roaming free.
GETTING THERE:
Flights can be booked directly to Suva (SUV), and from there you may choose to island hop via ferries or local flights.
Search the best rates on flights here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Find great deals on hotels here.
Traveling on a budget? Hostels provide a unique experience with extraordinary savings.
GETTING AROUND:
The best way to get around Fiji is via local car hire.
THINGS TO DO:
Get Your Guide or explore more options with Trip Advisor
HILO, HAWAII
There are plenty of waterfalls, flora and fauna to enjoy at Rainbow falls and Akaka Falls State Park.
GETTING THERE:
Fly directly into Hilo (ITO) or begin your travels on another island and hop from there.
Search the best rates on flights here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Find great deals on hotels here.
Traveling on a budget? Hostels provide a unique experience with extraordinary savings.
GETTING AROUND:
Rental cars are a great option for independence, flexibility and a variety of destinations.
You may also choose to get around via local transit or private car hire.
The best deals on connecting flights to other islands can be searched here.
THINGS TO DO:
Get Your Guide or explore more options with Trip Advisor
HONOLULU, OAHU (HAWAII)
The capital of Hawaii has many scenic and thrill seeker adventures to offer.
Climate and landscape can change drastically from one side of the island to the other and just driving around this island is a magical experience in itself.
Swim with sea turtles, go para-sailing or perhaps jump out of an airplane over the North Shore.
GETTING THERE:
Fly directly into Honolulu (HNL) or begin your travels on another island and hop from there.
Search the best rates on flights here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Find great deals on hotels here.
Traveling on a budget? Hostels provide a unique experience with extraordinary savings.
GETTING AROUND:
Rental cars are a great option for independence, flexibility and a variety of destinations.
Bike rentals are also available out of Honolulu.
You may also choose to get around via local transit or private car hire.
The best deals on connecting flights to other islands can be searched here.
THINGS TO DO:
Get Your Guide or explore more options with Trip Advisor
CHUUK, MICRONESIA
Although known as the mecca of wreck-dives, this is one location I only had the opportunity to explore by land/foot.
Walking around this small community, I was truly flabbergasted with the differences in lifestyles and luxuries that we all seem to take for granted.
This was a very enlightening moment, as it allowed me to realize not all beauty lies in nature.
In addition to gaining a new appreciation for what happiness entails, Chuuk offers some of the best diving in the world paired with other outdoor adventures.
GETTING THERE:
The best way to visit Microsnesia and the islands it offers is via cruise ship.
If traveling directly to Chuuk, the closest airport is Chuuk International Airport (TKK).
Other popular locations to fly in from include Guam (GUM), Hawaii (HNL) and even Brisbane (BNE) or Cairns (CNS), Australia.
Search the best rates on flights here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Accommodations can be searched here.
GETTING AROUND:
The best way to get around Chuuk is via local car hire.
If starting your travels in another city, then rental cars are an available option as well.
THINGS TO DO:
Explore options with Trip Advisor
MO'OREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Towering mountains and lush countryside make this volcanic island a good alternative for escaping the tourists more commonly found on Bora Bora.
You may also choose to visit a marae, where various rituals and sacrifices were previously performed.
GETTING THERE:
Flights can be booked directly to Mo'orea (MOZ), and from there you may choose to island hop via ferries or local flights.
Search the best rates on flights here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Find great deals on hotels here.
Traveling on a budget? Hostels provide a unique experience with extraordinary savings.
GETTING AROUND:
The best way of getting around Mo'orea is via local car hire.
THINGS TO DO:
Get Your Guide or explore more options with Trip Advisor
ISLE OF PINES, NEW CALEDONIA
Separated by just a thin strip of land, Kuto Bay and Kanumera Bay sit next to each other and offer white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
GETTING THERE:
The only international airport in New Caledonia is Tontouta (NOU), located on the main island of Noumea.
From here you can access Isle of Pines with a domestic flight or book a crossing to the island via boat.
To check airfare for flights arriving in Tontouta (NOU), click here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Hotel accommodations can be made on the island of Noumea.
GETTING AROUND:
The Isle of Pines is very small and can be explored by foot, however if staying on the mainland or exploring more of New Caledonia, the best method of transportation will be local car hire.
THINGS TO DO:
The Isle of Pines offers incredible snorkeling/scuba diving opportunities, or you may choose to explore additional options with Trip Advisor.
LIFOU ISLAND, NEW CALEDONIA
An adorable small island that is great for snorkeling.
GETTING THERE:
The closest airport to Easo is Ouanaham Airport (LIF), however the only international airport in New Caledonia is Tontouta (NOU), which is located on the main island of Noumea.
From here you can access Lifou Island with a domestic flight or book a crossing via boat.
Easo Bay is a tiny settlement only accessible via cruise ship or possibly with local tours out of Noumea.
To check airfare for flights arriving in Tontouta (NOU), click here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Hotel accommodations can be made on the island of Noumea.
GETTING AROUND:
Easo Bay is very small and can be explored by foot, however if staying on the mainland or exploring more of New Caledonia, the best method of transportation will be local car hire.
THINGS TO DO:
Easo offers incredible snorkeling/scuba diving opportunities, or you may choose to explore additional options with Trip Advisor.
NUKA HIVA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
The second largest of the Marquesas Islands, Nika Hiva is one of the most remote destinations in the Pacific.
Feel the serenity of this quiet island community as you absorb the power of the "mana," the spiritual life force of Polynesian culture.
Source: Wikipedia
GETTING THERE:
Flights can be booked into Nuka Hiva (NHV) from Tahiti and other neighboring airports.
You may also be able to catch a ferry or embark on a cruise ship to reach this destination.
To check airfare for flights arriving in Papeete, Tahiti (PPT) first, click here.
PLACES TO STAY:
The island of Nuka Hiva is very small with very limited services and accommodations.
This island is somewhere to visit on a day trip as lodging will be very hard, if not impossible, to find.
GETTING AROUND:
The best way of getting around Nuka Hiva is by foot or local guide (if available).
THINGS TO DO:
This island is beautiful to explore by foot.
You can also use Trip Advisor to see what others have discovered or what can be offered locally.
Get Your Guide or explore more options with Trip Advisor
PAPEETE, TAHITI
Contrary to the white sandy beaches normally pictured when thinking of Tahiti, Lafayette Beach has a black colored sand because of the volcanic rock.
GETTING THERE:
Flights can be booked directly to Papeete (PPT), and from there you may choose to island hop via ferries or local flights.
Search the best rates on flights here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Find great deals on hotels here.
Traveling on a budget? Hostels provide a unique experience with extraordinary savings.
GETTING AROUND:
Motorbikes/scooters are available to rent out of Papeete.
Otherwise, getting around the island via local car hire is the best option.
THINGS TO DO:
Explore options with Trip Advisor
LUGANVILLE, VANUATU
Known for Million Dollar Beach and the Blue Lagoon, this island is a great lesser-known getaway and one of my personal faves.
GETTING THERE:
The closest airport to Luganville is Espiritu Santo Airport (SON), approximately 15 minutes away.
Search the best rates on flights here.
PLACES TO STAY:
Find great deals on hotels here.
Traveling on a budget? Hostels provide a unique experience with extraordinary savings.
GETTING AROUND:
The best way to get around Vanuatu is via local car hire.
If island hopping, you can search the best deals on flights here.
THINGS TO DO:
Aside from the options mentioned previously, you can explore more options with Trip Advisor
MYSTERY ISLAND, VANUATU
Not many people visit this deserted tropical island in the southern part of the archipelago that makes up Vanuatu.
Mystery Island got its name when it was used as an airstrip by the Allies during WWII since the island’s tiny size and remote location prevented the Japanese from figuring out where the planes were coming from.
It is currently uninhabited, but you can easily walk around it within just an hour, taking in views of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Source: cruiseagency
GETTING THERE:
The only way to get to Mystery Island is via boat.
Tours may be available from other neighboring islands, otherwise the only option is via a cruise ship.
PLACES TO STAY:
No accommodations are available on Mystery Island as this location is uninhabited.
GETTING AROUND:
This is a very small island that be explored via foot within a matter of an hour or less.
THINGS TO DO: