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, whereas French Polynesia and Easter Island do not. 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 blend Polynesian blue water and hospitality with New Zealand’s savoir-faire. On the lush main isle of Rarotonga, relax all day and then experience an ‘Island Night’ Polynesian feast featuring pork cooked in an earthen oven, taro root, and more.
Explore Aitutaki atoll, which offers stunning low-lying coral islets surrounding one of the world’s most fantastic lagoons. When not diving, snorkeling, or swimming in blue waters, check out the atoll’s ancient stone temples called marae.
Fiji
Best for: friendly vibes and backpacker adventures
Languages: English, iTaukei, Fiji Hindi
Fiji attracts nearly 630,000 visitors annually, making it a vibrant and exotic destination. The atmosphere is rich with scents of Indian curries wafting from city roti shops, while in villages, Melanesian families invite you in for a taste of ‘grog’ (kava, a slightly narcotic locally made beverage). Diving enthusiasts will find seascapes of soft corals resembling purple and white forests beneath the ocean.
Both Viti Levu and the Mamanuca Islands, along with the Yasawa Islands, showcase some of the best beaches and most popular resorts. For those seeking to escape the mainstream, islands like the lush diving havens of Taveuni and Vanua Levu offer unique experiences.
Tahiti & French Polynesia
Best for: luxury resorts and surfing
Languages: French, Polynesian
With over 115 islands across five archipelagos, French Polynesia offers everything from luxurious Bora Bora and its famous over-the-water bungalows to countless secluded islands perfect for those seeking tranquility. You won’t miss the French touch no matter where you explore.
Dive with reef sharks and manta rays in the Tuamotu Atolls; experience the rhythm of Tahitian dance during the Heiva Festival; or hike to breathtaking waterfalls on Tahiti, Moorea, the Marquesas Islands, and beyond.
Vanuatu
Best for: volcanoes and hiking
Languages: (more than 100) Bislama (creole), English, French, others
If you seek rumbling volcanoes, vibrant kava bars, shipwreck diving, and wild jungles—all while enjoying paved roads—Vanuatu is your ideal destination.
The main island of Efate houses the charming capital of Port Vila, but the real adventures lie on the outer islands. Tanna features the fiery and climbable Mt. Yasur, while Espiritu Santo offers upscale resorts along with challenging treks to massive caves filled with waterfalls and wildlife.
Samoa & American Samoa
Best for surfing and hiking
Languages: English, Samoan (Polynesian), Samoan/English
The Samoan Islands consist of two countries—independent Samoa and American Samoa, the latter being a U.S. territory. However, both maintain deep-rooted Polynesian traditions. While ‘Upolu in Samoa features some upscale resorts, much of the accommodation consists of simple beach huts called fale.
With some of the best and most pristine beaches in the South Pacific, along with vibrant villages and a refreshingly slow pace of life, Samoa offers endless opportunities for hiking, cultural exploration, surfing, and snorkeling.
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, home to the world’s second largest double barrier coral reef after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Beyond the diving, wind sports, and sailing opportunities, the land supports a unique blend of Melanesian and French cultures, creating a delightful haven for food lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Tonga
Best for: swimming with humpback whales
Language: English, Tongan
The Kingdom of Tonga is characterized by traditional values and strong Christianity, all backed by stunning blue bays, picturesque beaches, and ancient stone temples.
The main island of Tongatapu is the heart of the monarchy, but most visitors are drawn quickly to the Vava’u Group. This area is widely regarded as one of the best locations worldwide for swimming with or watching humpback whales.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Best for archaeology and wildlife
Language: Spanish
Few places on Earth are as captivating as Easter Island, a 164 square kilometer island so far east it technically belongs to Chile. This area is renowned for its towering stone statues called moai, which dot the landscape—whether they stand tall or remain halfway carved from volcanic rock, their mysteries leave an indelible mark on visitors.
Explore the island on foot, bike, or horseback, discover hidden beaches, and immerse yourself in lively Polynesian culture intertwined with South American influences. Although tourism is on the rise, the island retains its personable charm and commitment to eco-travel.
Solomon Islands
Best for: diving and eco-tourism
Languages: English, Melanesian pidgin, and about 120 indigenous languages
Characterized as one of the wildest destinations in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands celebrate traditional Melanesian culture alongside residual WWII history. The capital island, Guadalcanal, offers numerous historical war sites for exploration.
For relaxation, head to the New Georgia Islands, especially Marovo Lagoon, known for its fish-filled waters and picturesque scenery. Although beaches are limited, the kayaking, diving, and rich cultural experiences offer a true adventure.
Remote South Pacific islands
Where to begin? Some hidden gems like Niue, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Wallis & Futuna have flight connections, while others, such as Tokelau and Pitcairn Island, can only be reached by sea. If you’re not seizing the opportunity for a South Pacific adventure this year, then what are you waiting for?
