The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the grand Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti proper is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. Papeete, the modern capital of Tahiti and her islands, contains government offices, hospitals, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the islands as well as tourists who come to these islands for a life-enriching experience.

The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the grand Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti proper is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. Papeete, the modern capital of Tahiti and her islands, contains government offices, hospitals, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the islands as well as tourists who come to these islands for a life-enriching experience.

Moorea, often likened to James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai, is only 11 miles from Tahiti. Many visitors say it is worth the visit just to see Moorea's spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's base. Sharks sighting on nearly every dive makes this island a popular diving destination. At times a tuna will come by or dolphins will be heard clicking just out of sight.

One of the most picturesque and geographically diverse islands in the Society Group, Enclosed in a single lagoon, it covers 75 square miles. Huahine is located 109 miles northwest of Papeete. The highest point on the island, Mt. Turi, reaches 2,200 feet and is located on Huahine Nui. Mt. Tavaiura in the Fitii Peninsula looks like a women's face, leading to her chest and her round belly, hence one of the interpretation for Huahine's original name (pregnant woman).

Raiatea and Taha'a are two separate islands sharing the same lagoon. Located 120 miles northwest of Tahiti, between Huahine and Bora Bora among the leeward Society Islands, Raiatea is the second largest island of French Polynesia after Tahiti. The island tour reveals lush green valleys, numerous waterfalls, and pineapple and vanilla plantations. Discover fascinating under-water scenery within Raiatea's deep lagoon, rich with fish and surrounded by mountains.

Bora Bora lies 150 miles northwest of Tahiti in the Society Islands. The main island, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the center of a multicolored lagoon, surrounded by offshore "motu" islets inside a protective coral necklace. Its lagoon is world-famous for its beauty. A partially paved road circles the island, passing colorful villages, archeological sites, and old Army bunkers and cannons left over from WWII, when 5,000 American GIs made a "friendly invasion."

Located on Tutuila, the largest of the Samoan islands in the South Pacific Ocean, Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa. First settled by the Polynesians around 600 BC, the islands became a territory of the US in 1900. An important coaling station and naval base, the Pago Pago harbor proved to be of strategic importance during World War II. Today its beauty and ecological diversity make it a popular tourist destination.

Samoa is a nine-island nation about 1,700 miles northeast of New Zealand, first settled around 1000 BC by Polynesians. In Apia, visit Maketi Fou on Fugalei Street and the flea market for souvenirs like clubs, kava bowls, sarongs, baskets, and jewelry. Enjoy blue lagoons, beaches, waterfalls, and rainforests, see Robert Louis Stevenson's restored home on Mount Vaea, and try fish wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an umu.

Located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, Suva is the capital city of Fiji. As the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand, it is Fiji's main port city, and the commercial and political center of Fiji. The city hosted the 2003 South Pacific Games, being the third time in the event's history that they had been held in Suva.

The Fiji archipelago consists of tiny coral atolls and mountainous forest-clad islands of volcanic origin, and is famed for its aquamarine waters and white sand beaches. Lautoka, meaning "spear-hit" or "hit to win," was named that as a result of an argument between two chiefs. It is sited in the western side of the largest island in Fiji. The city is surrounded with the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side and green gold sugar cane and pine trees on the other sides.

Mystery Island is a remote, undeveloped escape with soothing colors, palm-frond rustling, and sparkling clear water. Snorkel its thriving coral reefs and watch for clownfish, parrotfish, and the occasional sea turtle. Stand-up paddleboard lessons and massages are available. Enjoy a perfect beach feast of freshly cooked lobster and banana pie, prepared and served by residents of nearby Aneityum Island.

Lifou is the largest of New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands, enchanting visitors with its pristine crystal beaches and rich Melanesian culture. Snorkel in the turquoise lagoons of Jinek Bay and witness the eclectic array of marine life. Hike up Jokin's towering cliffs, which contain layers of fossilized corals and marine life. Trek to the regal Notre Dame de Lourdes chapel, which offers astonishing panoramic views of the island's lush landscape.

Capital of the French territory New Caledonia, Nouméa played an important role in World War II, serving as the headquarters of the United States military in the Pacific. It boasts the most sunshine of any Pacific island capital, and is also the most European-influenced. Called "The Paris of the Pacific," it features fine French dining, designer boutiques, and cosmopolitan residents. Just off the coast, the longest barrier reef in the world shelters 350 species of coral and 1,500 species of fish.

Capital of the French territory New Caledonia, Nouméa played an important role in World War II, serving as the headquarters of the United States military in the Pacific. It boasts the most sunshine of any Pacific island capital, and is also the most European-influenced. Called "The Paris of the Pacific," it features fine French dining, designer boutiques, and cosmopolitan residents. Just off the coast, the longest barrier reef in the world shelters 350 species of coral and 1,500 species of fish.

Make the most of Sydney: stroll Circular Quay and the waterfront, admire the Opera House, explore the historic Rocks under the Harbour Bridge, head to the Blue Mountains for the world's steepest railway, meet Australian wildlife at Koala Park Sanctuary, and finish with a drink at a traditional Aussie pub.

Make the most of Sydney: stroll Circular Quay and the waterfront, admire the Opera House, explore the historic Rocks under the Harbour Bridge, head to the Blue Mountains for the world's steepest railway, meet Australian wildlife at Koala Park Sanctuary, and finish with a drink at a traditional Aussie pub.