Nestled in a tidy corner of the Pacific Ocean lies the famed Polynesian Triangle: one of the three major island groupings of Oceania (along with Melanesia and Micronesia). Comprised of the American Hawaiian Islands to the North, New Zealand to the Southwest and Easter Island to the Southeast, the Polynesian grouping of islands has long been held up as a collection of preeminent touristic destinations known the world over. Though technically comprised of over 1,000 separate islands, this article will focus on the top ten destinations, based on a robust criteria of scenic vistas, amenities, and overall one in a million atmospheres.
Thinking of planning a sojourn the the middle of the Pacific for some out of this world island hopping? Look no further than this handy guide to help you make the most of your island getaway. Before, that is, you book your boarding pass.
# Easter Island, ChileWhat can we say about Easter Island that hasn’t already been said? The place is definitely one of the most amazing historic monuments in the world. Though technically a Chilean territory, Easter Island has a name that is practically as well-known as Polynesia itself. A bastion of the ancient culture of the Polynesian triangle, and its Southeastern-most point, Easter Island may be famous for its Rapa Nui National Park and statues, but it is also a natural wonder in its own right. Visitors to the island often remark upon a mysterious, ancient feeling that permeates the land.
Why go? The nearly 1000 separate moai statues have been considered a preeminent UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. But statues aside, Rapa Nui National Park is a uniquely eye-catching sight worth exploring in its own right: it boasts beautiful vistas of natural splendor, and an abundance of other stone monuments; from houses and walls to petroglyphs. Camping enthusiasts will find their bandwidth for splendor widened by a night or two spent under the stars in Rapa Nui or the surrounding areas.
# Rarotonga, Cook IslandsThe biggest and brightest of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga joined the Western world by way of its 1823 discovery by Captain John Dibbs. Ties to the West aside, the Cook Islands are hardly the most populated vacation spot in the Polynesian isles. It is, in fact, a relatively secluded spot (if such things can be said to exist) and a thus famous place for honeymoons. Beaches like Muri Beach are renown for good reason, and all the usual beachfront amenities (including truly majestic seafood) are all present for interested parties.
Why go? Rarotonga is an island just begging to be explored. Not only does the island have decent public buses (well, for an island at least), there are also many scooter and car rental spots for the more do-it-yourself type of guy or gal. The intrepid wanderer will find themselves up to their eyebrows in secluded and once in a lifetime swimming spots and waterfalls.
# Upolu, SamoaAnother Samoan destination makes the list! Though this one comes from the independent, not the American side of town. Among world class sights and hospitality, Upolu boasts truly special things such as being native to the world’s smallest species of spider (roughly the size of a printed period on the page of a book), the burial site of famed writer and explorer Robert Louis Stevenson, and of course, To-Sua Ocean Trench, also known as the most amazing swimming spot in the entire world.
Why go? To-Sua is the thing that attracts most guests to this island: a perfectly symmetrical swimming hole (literally known as “big hole with water coming out”) in the middle of a lava field jutting out from the spectacular coastline and filled with bright emerald water. Other must-sees in Upolu include diving, surfing and fishing spots known the world over.
# Nuku Hiva, French PolynesiaSecond to Tahiti in size, but in no other way, the French Polynesian Island known as a Nuku Hiva lacks the over-the-top personality and population of so many of its neighbors. Local town Taiohae in particular conjures up images of times fishing villages long gone by, though the entire island seems to have an old-world feel, though it does boast certain modern amenities (including comfy accommodation and even a single ATM machine!).
Why go? while many travelers find themselves perfectly happy on the bigger more touristic islands that pepper this list, people go to Nuku Hiva in order to escape the hustle and bustle of foreigners on beaches far from home. Nuku Hiva travelers will much more likely find themselves on secluded beaches all to themselves, or spending time in the great outdoors, seeing the island by foot.
# Kauai, HawaiiA list of famed Polynesian Islands wouldn’t be a list without a shout out to one of the incredible Hawaiian Islands. Not as imposing or volcanic as the big island, or as populated as Oahu, Kauai makes the list for exactly the lack of Western influence that has taken over in places like Honolulu or even neighboring islands like Maui. Kauai registers as more rural than rollocking, and yet, for the rough-it type of Polynesian adventurer, we believe it strikes just the right chord. Just don’t forget to pack an umbrella! Torrential downpours can happen year-round.
Why go? Favorites of both locals and visitors include the beaches and Cliffside vistas along the stately Na Pali National Park, especially its gorgeously lush vegetation. A close second is the Wailua Falls, which is worth much more than its shout out on the Fantasy Island TV show. Both make for easy hikes and have not yet found their way into the realm of an overcrowded tourist trap.
# New ZealandWe’ve saved the best for last! Or, at very least, the biggest. Few people on planet Earth haven’t heard of New Zealand: little brother to Australia, a land equal parts old world-Polynesia and new age Western. Though English is a native language and the island has long been part of the British Commonwealth, much of the exceedingly rich cultural heritage of the Polynesian Maori people persists and is, in fact, a huge draw for many. Wellington is the capital and Auckland is the biggest city, though many will tell you that few come to NZ for its urban centers.
Why go? Other draws to this enormous island include the fact that it provided the backdrop for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Stopping by modern day Hobbiton is a great way to take in NZ natural wonder and cultural importance. Not a film buff? Well then, you’d be equally happy dipping in Lake Tekapo (or staying at a B&B in town), staring into local fjord Milford Sound, or wading through the Waitomo Caves to take a gander at the millions of glow worms who call them home.