11 Best Pacific Islands to Visit

The Pacific islands are a world apart and the perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With miles of white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, this corner of the world will take your breath away. So sit back, relax, grab a pina colada, and enjoy these best Pacific islands to visit.

Best Pacific Islands to Visit

1. Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a group of 15 islands in the South Pacific, about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. The country comprises 15 islands divided into two groups: the Southern Group and the Northern Group. The capital city is Avarua on Rarotonga Island in the Southern Group. The turtle and Rarotonga tours are among the best things to experience on the island.

Cook Islanders are known for their friendliness and hospitality, which makes them ideal places to visit if you’re looking for an escape from modern life. Here, you can relax on pristine beaches with friendly locals who will have your back if anything goes wrong.

2. Fiji

Fiji is a tropical island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago of more than 330 islands, located about 500 miles (800 km) north of New Zealand’s North Island, and forms an 18-mile (30 km) chain. The two largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, which account for 87% of the total land area; the capital city, Suva, on Viti Levu, hosts over 40% of Fiji’s population.

The name “Fiji” can be traced to ancient times when it was known as Wazavo or Tavui-toga. It is believed that it was first inhabited by Melanesians at least 3000 years ago who migrated from New Guinea. Europeans visited Fiji from the 17th century onwards, with most settlements being coastal villages established on trade routes between Europe and other Pacific Islands such as Tonga, Samoa, and Tahiti, where Europeans traded for sandalwood, cotton cloths, and metal tools called Vikings, which were highly valued by these cultures because they were used to make weapons such as swords etcetera.

Among the best things to do in Fiji is to book a sunset dinner cruise and experience a jet boat safari. There are also many accommodating hotels to book on the island that make your visit more convenient.

3. Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, also known as PNG, is a country in the South Pacific with an 8 million-person population.

New Guinea is the second largest island in the world after Greenland, and it’s home to many unique cultures, natural wonders, and animals—including over 900 different bird species! The mountains are home to some of the highest peaks in Oceania, including the Carstensz Pyramid at 16,023 feet (4,884 meters). It has an active volcano called Mount Lamington, which erupted in 2009.

Palau has a rich marine environment, with more than 1,200 fish and 300 species of coral. It’s also home to many endangered species like the green sea turtle and hawksbill turtle. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, diving tours, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

See Related: 21 Best Islands in Thailand to Visit

4. Samoa

Samoa is a country in the Pacific Ocean with 54 islands and landmasses. While you might have heard of it as a single island, it’s actually a group that includes the Upolu and Savai’i islands. And this isn’t your average paradise spot—it’s home to beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, and some of Earth’s most pristine coral reefs.

Samoa has been attracting tourists since the early 1800s when whalers settled there during their global voyages. Today, it continues to draw travelers with its tropical climate (22°C–32°C), white sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, island tours, and lush rainforests filled with native species like coconut palms and pandanus trees.

5. Tahiti and Bora Bora

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and a popular tourist destination. It is located directly south of the Marquesas Islands and east of Bora Bora.

Tahiti has been dubbed “The Valley of Thousand Temples” because it has many incredible sites. One of these sites includes the Papenoo Valley, which is home to several thousand terra-cotta shrines built between 1820 and 1920 by Indigenous people who lived on Tahiti during European colonization to honor their dead ancestors. The shrines are located throughout this valley, scattered across grassy hillsides with flowers blooming all around them—it’s an amazing sight!

Another must-see while visiting Tahiti is Mount Orohena (also known as Mount Aorai), which is almost 4,300 feet above sea level. This dormant volcano provides travelers with stunning views from any angle, whether you’re trekking across its rugged terrain or admiring its beauty from below by boat!

6. Tonga

Tonga is a Polynesian island country in the South Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago of 169 islands, 36 of which are inhabited. The capital, Nuku’alofa, is located on the island of Tongatapu.

Tonga was first visited by Europeans in the late 16th century, and it became a British protectorate from 1871 until gaining independence in 1970. It has experienced rapid economic development since then but suffers from rising sea levels and the highest rates of obesity in the world. Today, it is flocked with tourists and offers a fun Tonga island tour experience.

7. Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, located about 1,500 miles (2,400 km) east of Australia. It comprises 83 separate islands, which are divided into six provinces.

Vanuatu’s name comes from an ancient word meaning “land of yams.” The people there call it “The Land Below the Wind” or “the New Hebrides” because Europeans first discovered it when they sailed downwind from New Caledonia.

This tiny island country has a lot to offer: great beaches and diving spots, lush rainforests, and archaeological sites that date back thousands of years.

8. Palau

image by Luka Peternel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Palau is a small island nation in the western Pacific Ocean. It’s home to one of the best scuba diving sites in the world, as well as some of the best snorkeling spots in Micronesia.

Palau is also a great destination for shark lovers. On dive tours, you can see sharks like hammerheads and manta rays.

The islands are part of the Melanesia subregion, which includes New Guinea and other nearby islands. Caledonia is about 1,000 miles east of Australia and 2,000 miles southeast of Hawaii.

The country comprises roughly 250 islands, including Babeldaob, the largest island. Mount Ngerchelong, at 1,350 feet above sea level, is the highest point in Palau.

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9. New Caledonia

New Caledonia is an archipelago in the South Pacific, consisting of a main island, Grande Terre, and several smaller islands. It’s a French overseas territory and a popular tourist destination due to its tropical climate.

Caledonia is an archipelago in the South Pacific, consisting of a main island, Grande Terre, and several smaller islands. It’s a French overseas territory and a popular destination for tourists due to its tropical climate that offers great outdoor and indoor activities. Caledonia is an archipelago in the South Pacific, consisting of a main island, Grande Terre, and several smaller islands.

10. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are located off the coast of Ecuador and consist of 19 islands and more than 100 islets. They are a national park, so visitors must protect the natural resources while they’re there.

The majority of visitors come here to see the wildlife, including sea lions and penguins. The climate is tropical but dryer than other tropical areas due to a lack of rain; rainfall typically occurs between December and April. The best seasons to visit are during these months when the temperature hovers around 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). It is an ideal destination for island-hopping adventures.

There are many types of flora on these islands: over 500 types have been identified so far! You’ll find several varieties of cactus as well as other succulents like hibiscus flowers or giant aloe plants that grow up to 8 meters high (26 feet). Fauna includes land iguanas with long tails (some can weigh up to 9 kilograms/20 pounds), black lava lizards that live only on Isabela Island, marine iguanas with white scales on their bodies which evolved from terrestrial ancestors living in trees before coming down onto land millions years ago—and even penguins!

11. Pitcairn Island, UK Overseas Territory

image by Makemake is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Pitcairn Island is a British Overseas Territory in the South Pacific, measuring just 2.8 square kilometers (1.1 square miles) in size and home to just 48 inhabitants. It’s also one of the most remote places on Earth, situated 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) away from its nearest land neighbor, Tahiti.

The island was discovered by European explorers in 1767 and claimed by the captain of HMS Swallow, a ship en route to Botany Bay (Australia). The settlers were transported there as part of their punishment after leading mutinies aboard other ships; they were convicted of murder and theft but pardoned after agreeing to settle on Pitcairn Island as indentured servants for seven years before receiving freedom again when they reached England at their release date.

Today, Pitcairn remains primarily inhabited by descendants from this original group who still speak with an accent unique among English speakers because it combines features from Scotland and other regional dialects brought over during their settlement over 200 years ago. Visitors can explore this historic settlement on foot or horseback while enjoying some truly spectacular views off its shores!

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Conclusion

The South Pacific is a beautiful place to visit, but many islands have unique cultures and natural environments. To make your trip more successful, consider a few things before choosing a destination. First, decide if you want to go somewhere with resorts or if you would prefer an adventure-packed journey.

Next, look at the island’s climate, weather patterns, and topography (if any). Finally, check what activities will be available during your stay—for example, scuba diving or snorkeling.

FAQ

What is the safest South Pacific island to visit?

While the South Pacific region is a popular tourist destination, there’s no denying that it can be tricky to pick the safest place to travel. After all, some of these islands are more remote than others and may not always have access to medical care or other services. You might want to consider places with a low crime rate, particularly if you’re traveling alone or with children. And while some islands may be quite safe overall, they could still have pockets where crime happens frequently—and as such, you should avoid these areas if at all possible (especially if doing so would take you off the beaten path).

What is the best island to visit in the South Pacific?

If you’re looking for gorgeous beaches, breathtaking views, and world-renowned snorkeling spots that make postcards look good, then you should visit Rarotonga. This stunning island is also home to some of Tonga’s best surf breaks (including a famous break called Cloudbreak), so if you’re into surfing or diving (or both), we’d recommend checking it out!
We also love visiting New Caledonia because it has some pretty incredible hiking opportunities—as well as lots of great food options too! Plus, it’s still relatively untouched by tourism…so if you want to get away from crowds and enjoy some quiet time with nature, this might be your spot 🙂

Which Pacific island is best to visit?

When it comes to where you should visit in the Pacific, there are a few factors to consider. Do you want a tropical paradise? A remote island? Or both?

If you’re a first-time traveler and don’t have much money, the best option is probably Fiji or Vanuatu, which both offer beautiful beaches and accessible luxury resorts. If you want somewhere a bit more off-the-beaten path, consider some of the smaller islands in French Polynesia: Bora Bora or Tahiti. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our travels around this region, it’s that there are hundreds of ways to have an amazing time during your stay on any Pacific island!

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