As A Samoan Woman, I Always Recommend These 15 Travel Destinations Across The South Pacific

The Pacific Islands have much more to offer than just sparkling waters and glorious sun to tan beneath!

The Pacific Islands are well known for their tropical weather and beautiful beaches, but they have much more to offer, too! Here are 15 amazing spots to add to your bucket list:

1. Jellyfish Lake, Palau

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Jellyfish Lake is located on the island of Eil Malk in Palau. When I first heard the name, I expected only a few jellyfish in its waters. But to my surprise, it's filled to the brim with Moon and Golden Jellyfish — quite literally millions of them! Not many people dream of swimming in a pool of jellyfish, but the jellyfish found in this lake don’t sting as a result of evolution since there were no predators in the lake. The pictures people take while swimming in the lake, surrounded at every turn by vibrant yellow jellyfish, are almost ethereal!   

2. Yasawa Islands, Fiji

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The Yasawa Islands are a collection of remote islands on the Western side of Fiji. The islands have all the ideal island attractions (white sand beaches, a range of accommodations from $40 to $4000 a night, hammocks, and palm trees). But between May and October, they also offer the unique experience of swimming with manta rays! Although the cruises are sure to be an experience, it is recommended to try staying at a backpackers lodge or eco resort for a more intimate experience of the islands and their small communities.   

3. To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa

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To Sua Ocean Trench, located in the village of Lotofaga on the island of Upolu, Western Samoa, is one of Samoa’s most popular attractions. You wouldn't even know it was there at first glance as it looks like a small dip on the horizon from a distance. Upon closer inspection, you will see a massive hole with pristine blue waters about 30 meters below. The water is accessible through a wooden ladder, which is a bit nerve-racking to climb down, but the view of the water as well as the sky from below is breathtaking. It is definitely worth all the hype!  

4. Nan Modal, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

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Nan Modal is the name of the ancient city that housed some of the priests and important Saudeleur people who were the original inhabitants of Pohnpei. Today, only the ruins remain, but it is still pretty cool considering the structure was built in the year 1200! Aside from Easter Island, Nan Modal is the main archaeological site in Oceania built from giant rocks. It is a mystery to people today how the city was able to be built without levers, pulleys, or metal considering how heavy and high some of the stone walls are. The city is often called Atlantis or the 8th Wonder of the World as it is built atop coral reefs. Definitely makes my list of islands to visit based on historical and archaeological significance alone!

5. Samares Blue Lake, Papua

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The Samares Blue Lake on the Papuan island of Biak can be found two hours away from the city center, hidden inside a forest. People have likened seeing the lake to walking into a fairytale as the vibrant blue lake is set amongst the greenest of trees and beautiful flora. You can soak or swim in the water or merely find a spot amongst the greenery and enjoy the serenity. The lake is known not only for its beautiful blue color but also its clarity — you can see everything below the water! It's recommended that you pack food and water as well as wear some shoes for the trek through the forest to reach the lake — the sight will definitely be worth it. 

6. Valley of the Latte, Guam

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Valley of the Latte is an adventure park located in Guam that showcases the culture of the locals. They offer a range of activities, but one of the most popular is the River Cruise Adventure, which takes you around the park by boat. They make stops at the "living village" where you can experience the culture of Guam by watching demonstrations of how to husk a coconut and how to start a fire the island way. You can explore their botanic gardens of island plants as well as take a ride on a Karabao (water buffalo). It is a great family day out and definitely children-friendly, with the added bonus of cultural education.  

7. Rurutu Island, French Polynesia

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This island is also often known as the Island of Whales. Between July and October, humpback whales often migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Rurutu to give birth. There are normally very few tourists as Rurutu is a well-kept secret; people are often more likely to visit the well-known islands of Bora Bora or Tahiti. There are two service providers who practice whale watching on the island, but they can only be found by word-of-mouth as they don’t have any other known point of contact. Most of the time, you can see the whales from a distance, but sometimes, you can even get the chance to respectfully swim with them!  

8. Rentapao River, Vanuatu

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Rentapao River, located in Port Vila, Vanuatu, has a huge array of activities to do while there, depending on which side of the river you’re at. There are two separate villages on opposite ends. On one side, you have access to Eden on the River, which includes garden walks, playgrounds, suspended bridges above the water, and even mini golf! On the other end is the Rarru Rentapo River Cascades, which lead you to the main waterfalls where you can enjoy a much calmer time in the water with spectacular views. This is only 20 minutes away from the city center, so you don’t have to drive far to experience the beautiful waters!  

9. Chuuk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia

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The Chuuk Lagoon is located in Chuuk State within the Federated States of Micronesia. The only way to get to Chuuk is by flying there from Guam (1000 km. away). The lagoon is famous among divers since it was home to a Japanese naval base during World War II as the lagoon provided ideal shelter and a natural harbor for ships. During Operation Hailstorm — launched by the US in 1944 — 50 ships and 250 planes were sunk in the waters and have remained there for 70 years. The wrecks are now covered in colorful corals, and fish have made homes out of them. It's an ideal spot for many divers who are attracted by the history but also the beauty.  

10. Fouha Rock, Guam

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This destination might only be interesting to those who want to learn about Guam's culture or to people like me whose nerdy hearts love anything culturally significant in our Pacific Island cultures. The Fouha Rock is located in the southern village of Umatac and has been recognized as a National Natural Landmark. The rock is significant to the people of Guam as it is directly linked to one of their creation stories. The story tells of Puntan and Fu’una, the brother and sister gods of creation who sacrificed themselves to create the universe. Fu’una uses her power to devise Puntan's body to create the earth, moon, sun, rainbows, and sky. When she was done, she threw her body into the earth and transformed into the limestone pillar from which humans were formed. That pillar is known today as the Fouha Rock. Definitely a sight to see if you’re interested in Micronesian creation stories and culture!  

11. Milky Way, Palau

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Located in the Rock Islands of Palau, the Milky Way Lagoon is known for its beautiful turquoise waters but also the limestone mud on the waters' floors. The mud is renowned for its therapeutic properties, and according to locals, it will leave you looking 10 years younger. Tourists are able to lather themselves up in the mud until it dries under the tropical sun. Once it's cracking and ready to be washed off, a quick dive back into the lagoon will remove it. A day out on the lagoon while having a mud bath? Now that’s killing two birds with one stone!  

12. Captain Cook Cruises, Fiji

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If you’re looking for a more luxurious time with a splash of island exploring, the Captain Cook Cruises in Fiji might be the option for you! The cruises offer three-day tours as well 11-day tours, which take you around the more remote islands where you can see the parts of Fiji that aren’t as easily accessible as the major cities. Every day, you get to visit a new island or coral reef and enjoy time in sparkling Fijian water by snorkeling, diving, or swimming! I think this is the perfect middle ground for those who want to relax in style while on holiday without missing out on experiencing the culture and essence of our islands.  

13. Churches in Wallis and Futuna Islands

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I would not describe myself as particularly religious, but I still revel in the beauty of the churches throughout our islands. I have seen many beautiful churches, but those in Wallis and Futuna definitely feature on my must-see list. Their history as an island shines through the church architecture; for example, the grand Mata-Utu Cathedral is made of dark stone and has an almost gothic feel to it. There are also the Basilica of St. Peter Chanel and the Pierre Chanel church, which are very different in design but equally beautiful. Of course, there is beauty to be seen all over the island, but a tour through the churches to appreciate their architecture and history is a great activity for those who love somewhere with history and beautiful buildings!  

14. Alofaaga Blowholes, Samoa

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I might be biased, but I think this is a worthy mention! The Alofaaga Blowholes can be found in the village of Taga (my village!) on the island of Savai’i in Western Samoa. On the way to the blowholes, you will pass a black sand beach where you can stop and take a dip. There will also be a small fale o’o (hut) along the road there where the caretakers collect a small fee to lead you to the blowholes. They usually have someone come with you to throw a coconut into the blowhole so you can watch it fly into the air every time it blows. I will never forget the first time I went; it was so cool! Insider secret: There is a pool in walking distance of the black sand beach that is filled with water from a nearby waterfall. Locals use it to wash off the seawater, but as a kid, I loved swimming there almost as much as I loved the beach because it felt like a private pool.

15. And finally, the Solomon Islands

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Last but definitely not least: the Solomon Islands! I wanted to include them as a whole unlike the other locations on my list because it’s the perfect destination if you want to see Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian culture and customs close up. They are made up of many islands and are predominantly Melanesian, but they also have cultural groups from the other two Pacific Islander regions spread throughout them. Solomon Islanders are very proud of their traditions and culture, and most of the villages function as they have for hundreds of years. The locals reside in thatched huts and continue to live off the land. To me, the greatest thing about it is the fact that there aren't many accommodation options across their islands! So, if you want to stay there and immerse yourself in island life, the chiefs can find a host family to take you in. I can’t imagine a better way to enjoy an island than to have insider information from the locals as well as an up-close experience by living with them!  

Have you ever visited the Pacific Islands? Where was your favorite spot? LMK in the comments below!