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.

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.

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.

American Samoa's volcanic islands lie on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Pago Pago on Tutuila has a fjordlike harbor formed by a collapsed volcano. Visited by Europeans in 1722 and missionaries in 1831, the islands became a U.S. possession in 1900 and have been administered by the Interior since 1951. About 50,000 residents are U.S. citizens except for national voting. Pago Pago/Fagatogo offers harbor views, the Fono Building, and Naval Guns Hill. Pier is walkable; taxis are available.

Samoa, the first independent Polynesian state, is seen as the cradle of the nation. Its name is said to mean "earth and centre." Apia, on Upolu's north coast, grew from a village of 300 in c.1800 to nearly 40,000 today, yet still keeps Samoan traditions: fale houses, lavalavas, mumu dresses, and lively markets. Its aquamarine lagoons and palms are famous, and Lefaga was used in the 1953 film Return to Paradise. It is also among the last places to see each day's sunset.

Tonga's largest island, Tongatapu, is home to Nuku'alofa, the capital and hub of city life, with the country's greatest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. It is also the seat of government and the historic center, with the royal palace, government and business districts, churches, the Central Market, and ancient vestiges of the island's past. As Tonga's only deep-water port, it is also the base for boat rides and excursions to the outer islands.

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.