Crystal-clear lagoons, world-class diving, luxurious resorts, spectacular jungle hikes…is there something we don’t love in regards to the South Pacific? If solely we may spend our lives floating from island to island, evaluating and contrasting the seashores, coral reefs and ultra-hospitable populations of every one.
Alas, we are able to’t. Even worse, when contemplating a journey to part of the world the place distances between islands are measured within the 1000’s of miles, some robust selections are so as.
Which is why we requested a pair of writers to cheerlead for the place every is aware of greatest: Fiji and Tahiti. Deciding which to choose on your subsequent tropical journey gained’t be simple. However we by no means mentioned it could be.
Flit round fabulous Fiji
Anirban Mahapatra is a journey author and multimedia producer who at present lives in Fiji’s capital metropolis, Suva. He’s the writer of the newest version of Lonely Planet Fiji.
With due respect to each different island vacation spot within the Pacific, I can confidently say there’s no higher place than Fiji for a great household vacation within the dazzling ocean. Whereas different island scorching spots might tempt, there are a number of the reason why Fiji bests all of them.
Take ease of journey. Given the remoteness of this oceanic area, Fiji is the simplest place to achieve in comparison with any of its neighbors. We have now direct flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, a number of Australian cities, Auckland, Tokyo, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver – and onward from there. (Tahiti has far fewer direct flights.) Handy regional connections additionally make it doable to decide on Fiji as a hub for trans-Pacific holidays. From right here, one may leap off simply – on a nonstop flight, no much less – to different locations together with Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Nauru, Kiribati, New Caledonia and even Hawaii.
Fiji’s browsing credentials
Among the world’s most sought-after breaks draw surfers from across the planet to Fiji. Divers and snorkelers can discover coral wonderlands (referred to as the “tender coral capital of the world,” Fiji has almost 400 coral species), lock eyes with fearsome bull sharks in shark-rich dive websites, or swim with large manta rays in shallow ocean passages. A smattering of marinas positioned in pure harbors throughout the nation are well-liked stopovers for yachters navigating their means throughout the Pacific. Given the sheer variety of aquatic adventures, and the truth that they’re suited to individuals of all ages and expertise, Fiji’s benefit over its neighbors is unbridgeable – and by an extended shot. Tahiti could make a case round its heavenly seashores and opulent resorts – however we’ve received loads of these right here , too.
On dry land, the volcanic highlands of Fiji’s interiors have unimaginable trails which might be a delight for hikers. The place else does one get to traverse mountain ridges draped with golden savanna, ford gurgling rivers flowing by pristine rainforests, tread alongside desolate seashores resulting in hidden waterfalls or summit sublimely stunning plugs of extinct volcanic craters – all on one journey?
There are many cultural experiences scattered alongside the way in which, too, which provide up-close insights into one of many oldest and most cosmopolitan cultures within the Pacific area. Whether or not it’s spirited kava ceremonies with beneficiant hosts, intriguing storytelling classes in villages with lengthy histories, a scrumptious conventional lovo (pit-roast) lunch on Sunday or a vigorous recreation of rugby with children just about wherever and nearly any day of the week, there’s all the time a chance to mingle with Fiji’s unhurried inhabitants – and share a number of laughs alongside the way in which.
Is it shocking that Fiji tops all its regional neighbors as a repeat vacation spot for world vacationers, who couldn’t probably pattern all of its choices on only one journey? Can any of Fiji’s neighbors stake an equal declare to one of the best vacation spot within the Pacific?
I didn’t assume so.
Tiptoe by tempting Tahiti
Lonely Planet’s French Polynesia professional for almost 20 years and an island resident for almost three, Celeste Brash is ceaselessly studying about and delighting in her adopted house. When not touring for writing work, she might be discovered on her household’s pearl farm or taking Tahitian dance courses.
Put merely, the islands of Tahiti (a part of French Polynesia) are probably the most stunning and diversified ones within the Pacific, if not the entire planet. I want I had visited different island nations earlier than shifting to this nation within the Nineties – as a result of Tahiti has now spoiled in every single place else for me. This consists of Fiji, a spot that I do know effectively and adore. However it merely doesn’t come out on high.
With 118 islands over 5 archipelagos, no different island vacation spot provides as a lot selection. The federal government’s tourism division has forthcoming plans to cap tourism at 280,000 guests per yr (in distinction, Fiji attracts some 770,000), which implies that an oceanic zone the dimensions Western Europe won’t ever get overrun. Solely a handful of islands have a well-developed vacationer infrastructure; many others, together with Fatu Hiva and Raivavae, solely provide small household pensions, the place you possibly can have the cultural expertise of a lifetime.
If it’s glamour you’re after, nowhere within the Pacific rivals the luscious overwater-bungalow resorts on Bora Bora’s otherworldly blue lagoon. These on merely mortal budgets will discover comparable magnificence on the crowd-pleasing, fantastically mountainous but beach- and lagoon-blessed Mo‘orea. In between, islands like Huahine, Tikehau and Hiva Oa have many lodging and consuming selections in addition to tons of actions, solely with a small move of holiday makers. There actually is an island for everybody right here.
However seems to be aren’t every part. Proper off the airplane, you’ll be welcomed to Tahiti by a ukulele orchestra and given a gardenia to tuck behind your ear. Outrigger canoes glide off white or black sand seashores into limpid, swimming-pool-like lagoons. Nation-wide, you’ll hear the deep rhythms of toere (wood drums) emanating from neighborhood facilities, the place native Tahitian dance troupes apply this vibrant, ever-evolving artwork. All over the place you go, smiles are returned by larger smiles, tattoos grace proud limbs and luminous Tahitian pearls glow on ears and necks. The entire nation is tidy, clear and graced with a floral perfume.
Style conventional Polynesian meals
Tahiti’s distinctive tropics-meets-French-and-Chinese language delicacies is taken into account among the many greatest meals within the South Pacific – and a resurgence in native elements and new twists on conventional Polynesian dishes is now bringing the meals scene to new heights. Dine on inventive gastronomy at high-quality eating places, or search out one thing scrumptious at a lagoon-side meals truck. Recent baguettes and Bordeaux wines are discovered alongside fire-charred breadfruit and the sweetest pineapple juice within the universe. You’ll by no means have a nasty meal.
While you’re on the seaside, you possibly can drink mai tais or get energetic. Water sports activities embrace fauna-heavy diving in air-like visibility (Fiji’s waters are murkier), browsing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, conventional outrigger crusing and whale watching. On land, cool actions abound, together with mountain climbing waterfall valleys and exploring probably the most spectacular archaeology within the area (many contemplate Unesco-listed Taputapuatea on Raiataea the religious middle of Polynesia), plus more-adventurous pursuits like skydiving and canyoning (rappelling down waterfalls).
Now additionally occurs to be one of the best time ever to fly to Tahiti, with comparatively new and inexpensive providers through San Francisco with United Airways and low-cost-carrier French Bee, with onward connections to Paris and numerous different locations. Different locations served from Tahiti embrace New Zealand, Hawaii and Tokyo. Inter-island flights are happening in worth because of Air Moana, which began providers in early 2023.
For anybody in North America or Oceania, Tahiti is nearer than you most likely assume. And it’s value each minute of journey time.
