There are over a thousand islands in the southern portions of the Pacific ocean. Most of them were formed by volcanic lava repeatedly rising from the ocean floor and cooling into solid rock. The fascinating geology of the Polynesian Islands meant the indigenous people who inhabit them had to become masters of their environment, understanding the best ways to survive in a tropical climate surrounded by an often unpredictable ocean.
Travelers book island getaways to soak up the soothing sun, swim in the crystal clear waters on pristine beaches, and relax in a place that looks nothing like home. Fortunately, the indigenous peoples have welcomed tourists with open arms, ready to share their unique slices of paradise with the rest of the world. The distinct features of these Polynesian Islands make them the best to visit.
8 Upolu - Samoa
The vast expanses of seemingly untouched land might make it hard to believe that Upolu is Samoa's most populous island. Upolu is only a third of the size of Rhode Island but overflowing with enough beauty to fill up a week's worth of exploration. One of the island's main attractions is the To Sua ocean trench, a 100-foot deep swimming hole filled with warm, turquoise water and surrounded by gorgeous tropical plants. A great way to show appreciation to the people who live on the island is to visit the Samoa Cultural Village, where tourists can learn the traditions of their hosts in an interactive setting, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and witness the process of Samoan tattooing.
7 Easter Island - Chile
Like Stonehenge, the iconic statues on Easter Island are shrouded in mystery, making the sight of them alone reason enough to visit. The oldest Moai Statues were built during the thirteenth century using primitive stone carving tools. Getting the stones to the water was no easy feat, as some of them stand over 30 feet tall and weigh up to 86 tons.
Aside from meditating on the impressive achievements of Easter Island's early residents, visitors can hike the three dormant volcanoes that created the island and imagine the eruptions that gave way to such a beautiful place. As expected, the island has several pristine beaches to enjoy, and visitors are encouraged to learn about the culture of its current residents by viewing traditional dances and local practices.
6 Mo'orea - French Polynesia
It's hard not to fall in love with the French Polynesian Island of Mo'orea. It's literally in the shape of a heart and came to be when half of a volcano collapsed into the Pacific. Visitors can wake up on the water in one of the charming huts that project over the clear, aqua blue ocean.
Jagged, volcanic mountains blanketed in green rise up in every direction, and soft white-sand beaches veil the shoreline. Hikers will savor the waterfall-laden trails that wind through the fertile rainforest and lead to the peaks of mountains overlooking the small island. Those hungry for the panoramic view but apprehensive about hiking can rent a car and enjoy the Belvedere Lookout.
5 Niue
The self-governing island of Niue allows tourists to experience tropical beauty without the Western influence of many other popular destinations. The tiny island is hard to pinpoint on a map, but its beauty is larger than life. Niue is a coral atoll, or a ring of coral once surrounded by an underwater volcano that rose to the surface before it receded into the ocean. What's left behind is an astonishing piece of land with limestone cliffs and unique, explorable shorelines.
Niue is an ideal spot for snorkel and scuba enthusiasts, who eagerly hit the clear waters to explore the diverse wildlife living in the reefs. Beautiful trails lead to hidden caves ready to be spelunked. Guests can take a boat ride into the ocean to swim with some of the island's most cherished residents, large pods of free-roaming spinner dolphins who are often as excited to see humans as humans are to see them.
4 Vava'u - Tonga
Vava'u is another coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean, and every year hundreds of boats head to the harbors during the sailing season and stop to enjoy all the island has to offer. Tourists explore magnificent underwater caves and snorkel in the azure blue waters.
Twisting trails take hikers through lush vegetation in Mount Talau National Park, where they can summit the flat-topped mountain and enjoy an expansive view of Vava'u. Every year, humpback whales travel to Niue's protected waters to give birth, and lucky visitors have the opportunity to view the magnificent mamas swimming with their young.
3 Bora Bora - French Polynesia
Bora Bora has attracted newlyweds in search of honeymoons in paradise for decades. Overwater bungalow sites are ideal for sinking into the romance provided by island getaways, and there is no shortage of intimate experiences for couples to enjoy together.
Sunset sailing tours take visitors on the water to marvel at the sun fading into the horizon, blanketing the water and surrounding mountains in an ethereal glow. Small snorkeling groups sink into the warm waters to swim with colorful fish and gracefully moving stingrays. Far from city lights, Bora Bora is known for its primo stargazing, and the idea of admiring the night sky from a private bungalow sounds like something out of a dream.
2 Rarotonga - Cook Islands
Rarotonga, the visible tip of a volcano cone, is the biggest of the Cook Islands. It's known for having some of the most cheerful residents in Polynesia, and it's easy to understand why they are so enthusiastic about sharing their world with travelers. Palm trees decorate the pristine shorelines and dance in the gentle breeze, complemented by aquamarine waters teeming with tropical fish.
Most tourists spend their time on the beautiful beaches, but the jungle trails are ideal for anyone who wants to chase waterfalls. There is a challenging, four-hour path that takes hikers to the base of Te Rua Manga (The Needle), a rock formation that reaches towards the blue sky. Avid climbers can gear up and ascend The Needle, a one-of-a-kind experience they won't soon forget.
1 Nuku Hiva - French Polynesia
Nuku Hiva has some interesting stories to tell. The island initially gained fame when Herman Melville jumped ship and spent several weeks among its friendly residents, inspiring his first novel, Typee. More recently, Nuku Hiva's rugged terrain served as the setting for the fourth season of Survivor.
Unlike many other Polynesian Islands, Nuku Hiva contains a stretch of mostly uninhabited desert with deep canyons and no vegetation. However, other parts of the island have flora-rich craggy mountains. Nuku Hiva is also home to the spectacular Vaipō Waterfall, the tallest in all of Polynesia at an astounding 1148-feet tall.