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The islands of Polynesia are super popular dream destinations. 

Sprinkled throughout the South Pacific are several groups of tropical islands. While collectively called the South Pacific, the islands are divided into three regions: Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. Each region has its own cultural traditions, culinary specialties, languages, and belief systems. The Polynesian Triangle is the largest region of the South Pacific made up of many other island groups. We will focus on our top island picks in this region.

Here is our list of top 10 islands in Polynesia

10 Kauai, Hawaiian Islands
A list of top Polynesian Islands wouldn’t be a list without mentioning the incredible Hawaiian Islands at the northernmost tip of the Polynesian Triangle. Not as populated as Oahu or as imposing and volcanic as the big island, Kauai makes tour list for its lack of Western influence. Kauai, known as the Garden Island, has preserved its rich cultural heritage and unspoiled nature. Incredible natural wonders, including Napali National Park, Waimea Canyon, and Wailua Falls, are favorite sites of both locals and visitors.

Why Go? Beaches, hiking, kayaking, rainforest ziplining.

9 Niue 
Niue, just off the coast of New Zealand, is a South Pacific island like none other. It is one of the smallest countries on one of the largest raised coral atolls on the planet. The reef shelf is narrow and falls off into the deep ocean with visibility of up to 260 ft. Niue is also home to extensive underwater cave systems to explore. Each year from July to October, Humpback whales migrate to Niue’s waters to nurse their young. This is one of only a handful of places where you can swim with the whales.

Why Go? World-class snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Swimming with whales. No crowds.


8 Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile 
At the easternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle, Easter Island is one of the most mysterious places on earth. Rapa Nui National Park is a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO. Easter Island is most famous for its monolithic stone statues, called moai, carved by the Rapa Nui people centuries ago. These giant sober-faced statues dominate the landscape and are among the most recognizable monuments in the world. Visiting Easter Island is an intense cultural experience.

Why Go? Archaeology, eco-tourism, hiking, and horseback riding.

7 Vava’u Islands, Tonga 
Shaped like a giant jellyfish with its tentacles of myriad islands stretching south, Vava’u is intertwined with turquoise waters and encircling reefs. The 61 islands are dotted with deserted beaches, coral gardens, and shimmering clear lagoons. Sailboats flock to the island bays. They are one of the most famous sheltered yachting playgrounds in the world. With a long season and numerous types of whales, Vava’u is also an excellent destination for whale watching.

Why Go? Sea kayaking, surfing, whale watching, and sailing.


6 Rurutu, Austral Islands, French Polynesia 
Rurutu island is a lovely mix of deserted beaches, lush valleys, majestic peaks, and hiking trails. Rurutu is unique because it doesn’t have barrier reefs forming the large, light blue lagoons you see in the other Polynesian islands. Instead, the island is surrounded by steep cliffs and several chalky caves with stalactites and stalagmites made by erosion. These caves are one of the main points of interest for visitors.

Why Go? Beaches, cave visits, whale watching, and hiking.


5 Nuka Hiva, Marquesas Island, French Polynesia 
While many travelers are perfectly happy on the larger, more touristy islands, people go to Nuku Hiva to escape the crowds. The entire island has an old-world feel. You are much more likely to find yourself on secluded beaches or spending time in the great outdoors. The island’s landscape is dramatic with beautiful beaches, shimmering bays, jagged cliffs, magical waterfalls, and lush green valleys. History buffs love all the archaeological sites, including the sacred statues known as tiki.

Why Go? Beaches, archaeology, seclusion to disconnect

4 Rarotonga, Cook Islands 
The Cook Islands are lesser-known than Tahiti in the Society Islands. Rarotonga is one of the 15 Cook Islands with stunning white sand beaches and spectacular turquoise lagoons. There are no branded resorts, no buildings taller than a coconut tree, no crowds, and no stoplights. Yet, Rarotonga still has amazing boutique resorts to ensure fantastic vacations.  Muri Beach and lagoon are absolutely magical.

Why Go? Beaches, more laid back and less crowded than Tahiti, seclusion to disconnect.

3 Tahiti, Society Islands, French Polynesia 
Tahiti is the largest French Polynesian island. It is usually overlooked and used more as a layover to another destination. However, Tahiti is great to explore for the day to see what the island has to offer. The island has black sand beaches on the East coast and white sand beaches on the West coast with legendary surf spots. In the city of Papeete, visit the exotic Papeete market or shop for black pearls. Then explore the mountainous interior of Tahiti Island with waterfalls and lush valleys.  

Why Go? Resorts, surfing, hiking, Tahitian culture.


2 Mo’orea, Society Islands, French Polynesia 
Moorea, the magical island, is considered Tahiti’s little sister. But it is one of the most scenically striking islands in French Polynesia. Beach lovers can relax in bungalows over the quiet lagoons. Water enthusiasts enjoy snorkeling, diving, and marine life. Mo’orea also has eight summits featuring a magnificent ancient volcanic crater, which became a lush valley. It is perfect for horseback riding or exploring on a four-wheeler. Nature lovers will remember the lush forests of mape trees, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas over the lagoon. Mo’orea has something for everyone.

Why Go? Resorts, beaches, over-water bungalows, feeding sharks & stingrays, hiking

 
1 Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia 
Bora Bora, the romantic island, is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Its name is synonymous with the South Pacific luxury. Overwater villas above crystal clear lagoons are the symbol of Bora Bora. The island has one of the most beautiful and crystal-clear lagoons in the world that’s colored with brilliant shades of blue. The overwater villas are surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the iconic Mount Otemanu. The most popular activities are in the water where you can dive for pearls, snorkel with stingrays, and even venture on shark-feeding dives.

This Polynesian island, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas, and a fabled ambiance, is treasured by romantics. Simply put, Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Why Go? Romance, overwater bungalows, romance, relaxation, romance.

Although in the same region, the tropical islands of Polynesia are all very unique with different cultures. A vacation to the South Pacific is an incredible experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

I am honored to help plan your vacation to the Polynesian Islands. 
Contact me to schedule your complimentary consultation.