Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest city, offers beaches, turquoise seas, jungle, and rich local culture. Known as the "Sugar City," it's named for a spear-duel legend and centers on sugar trade. Visit botanical gardens, temples, cafes, mills, and the lively market, plus see warrior dances and firewalking. Nearby highlights include the Blue Lagoon, mineral-rich mud pools and spas, and Savala Island, with soft sand, reefs, and great snorkeling.

Somosomo is Taveuni's largest village and a political center: it is the seat of the Tui Cakau, and Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs met there until 2012. Together with nearby Naqara, it is also Taveuni's commercial hub. West of the village is the 180th meridian and a Dateline sign. Nearby Somosomo Strait is famed for soft corals and world-class reefs, with about 390 coral species and over 1,500 fish species. Nearby attractions include Bouma National Park and Lake Tagimaucia.

The Ringgold Isles in Fiji are a mostly uninhabited archipelago with one small village. Idyllic and picturesque, they have clear blue waters, tree-lined hills, white sandy beaches, palm trees, and rocky outcrops. Three reefs-Budd, Nukusemanu, and Heemskercq-are part of the group. Their waters are popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, with visibility down to 120 feet.

Cobia Island, also known as Thombia Island, is a crescent moon-shaped island in Fiji's Ringgold Isles archipelago. Part of the Budd Reef, it has a submerged volcanic crater and its highest point on the west side. Rich in land and marine biodiversity, it features wooded areas, tropical vistas, and diverse sea life. A "conspicuous landmark" for seafarers since at least 1899, it is important to Fiji's Biodiversity and Action Plan for its unique geology and beach forests.

Fulanga, in Fiji's Southern Lau Group, is one of the country's easternmost islands. This crescent-shaped raised limestone island has a central lagoon, a 50-meter pass to the ocean, many small islets, and sandy beaches. About 400 people live in three villages: Muana-i-rai and Muana-i-cake on the south outside coast, and Naividamu on the lagoon side. Muana-i-cake is the main village. Traditional weaving and carving remain important, and pandanus mats and wooden bowls are sold as far as Suva.

Embark with Silversea Luxury Cruises and discover Neiafu in the Polynesian Nation of Tonga. Get ready to be marvelled by humpback whales breaching before your eyes!

Eueiki is a 19-hectare privately owned South Pacific island in Tonga's Vava'u group, with white sand, coconut palms, calm turquoise seas, coral reefs, and a small resort. Made of uplifted limestone, it offers birdlife such as Polynesian Trillers, Tongan Whistlers, Pacific Pigeons, and Flying Foxes. Its clear reefs are great for snorkeling, with diverse corals and fish, including anemonefish ("Nemos").

Uoleva is a classic South Sea island: white sand, coconut palms, and clear shallow water over coral reefs. It feels like a castaway paradise, but also offers beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling, and exploring. The reef supports rich marine life-feather stars, fan worms, sponges, sea squirts, and many fish. The island has some visitor accommodation, but is mainly used by locals for coconut growing and pig grazing. Tongans reach it from nearby Lifuka, where Cook named Tonga the "friendly islands."

Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands, is warm, lush, and welcoming. Settled about 1,500 years ago by traditional canoes, it holds most of the population and services. An eroded volcano with rainforest, white coral beaches, a lagoon, and reef defines it. Visitors enjoy culture, activities, and inland treks past the Needle. Birds include the Cook Islands Fruit Dove and the recovered Kakerori, which rose from 29 in 1989 to over 500.

Lonely Planet's co-founder calls Aitutaki "the world's most beautiful island," and it's easy to see why. In the Cook Islands, it has white sand, turquoise waters, and a spectacular reef-enclosed lagoon, making it a top diving and snorkeling spot. Its Polynesian history dates to around 900 AD, later shaped by missionaries and the Mutiny on the Bounty era. Traditional songs, dances, and Christian hymns remain part of island life, and visitors entering the main village may face a warrior challenge.

Bora Bora is a dream island: blue seas, white beaches, palm trees and vivid marine life. Famous for romantic sunsets, it offers more than honeymoons-lagoon excursions, underwater scooters, aqua safaris, and island tours, often stopping at Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar. Its history includes a WWII US supply base ("Operation Bobcat") with ships, equipment, troops and coastal cannons. It was once called Vava'u, suggesting Tongan colonization before French annexation in 1888.

Tikehau, meaning "peaceful landing" in Tuamotuan, is a stunning Tuamotu atoll in French Polynesia. Its 17-mile coral ring surrounds two palm-lined islands, small islets, and a bright turquoise lagoon with secluded white and pink sand beaches, nesting seabirds, and excellent snorkeling. Jacques Cousteau said it has the highest fish concentration of any lagoon in French Polynesia.

Rangiroa is French Polynesia's largest atoll. Over 400 motu enclose a vast lagoon, giving it the name "wide/long sky" or "immense sky." Avatoru and Tiputa sit by the main passes, where drift diving and snorkeling on incoming tides attract visitors to sharks and manta rays. Income comes mainly from government jobs, ecotourism, and pearl farming. Its calm turquoise lagoon, guesthouses, schools, and award-winning white and rosé wine also draw year-round visitors.

Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.