18 Polynesian Islands To Consider For Your Next Tropical Vacation

The islands of the South Pacific are scattered across vast expanses of open ocean, like tiny seeds in an infinite field of blue. On a map, they are hard to make out, dwarfed by the sea around them, and while they all share a sense of remoteness, they are divided into three groups — Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The third is perhaps the most famous for tourism, painting a dreamy picture of soft sand, leaning palm trees, densely forested interiors, and clear, calm water that beckons whatever the season. 

Polynesia certainly has some of the most famous Pacific islands anywhere in the world — Bora Bora and Tahiti among them — and it doesn't disappoint as a focus for a tropical getaway. But this island grouping, which forms a loose triangle where Hawaii sits at the top, and New Zealand and Rapa Nui (sometimes called Easter Island) are the bottom points, is more than just isles that seem primed for couples and honeymooners. Based on our travel intel and scouring sources like Tripadvisor and dive blogs, we've compiled a list of Polynesian islands that are fabulous vacation choices for any traveler. As you'll see, there is so much to Polynesia, including a variety of cultures and landscapes, but one constant remains throughout — the warm Polynesian welcome. 

Another place in the Cook Islands, this isle is a smart choice for fans of nature, with some excellent birdwatching, and can be reached by plane from Rarotonga in about 40 minutes. The population here is paltry, with about 400 inhabitants, lending the island an unspoiled atmosphere. The lack of built-up areas makes it a tranquil getaway, and travelers looking for buzzing social life and wild bars will be sorely disappointed. More attractive is the sober representation of island life, visible in the five villages that dot the island. Atiu is a fertile dot, and among the crops that flourish here is coffee — for lovers of a cup of Joe, this place is paradise.

It's also a fun place for unexpected exploration, with many caves tucked around Atiu. The Anatakitaki Cave is among the most famous, not only for its wild, ghoulish interiors but also because it is home to the Kopeka, a small bird native to the Cook Islands that lives exclusively in limestone caverns. Other birds ornithologists can look for include the Great Frigate and the endangered Kakerori.

The name of this French Polynesian island, for many, embodies the quintessential luxury tropical paradise. Perhaps it's the softness of the name, Bora Bora, or how it rolls off the tongue, almost like a whisper, but this island handsomely lives up to its image. In part, that's helped by the spate of luxe resorts that travelers will find here, many providing that deliciously desirable accommodation of the overwater bungalow. Among the top-shelf brands with properties here are Conrad, St. Regis, InterContinental, Four Seasons, and Pearl Resorts, the kinds of dream destinations that are bucket-list picks.

Away from the rooms, guests can lounge on perfect white-sand beaches, float in the clear waters of a calm lagoon, and peer, in awe, at the peak of Mount Otemanu. The choices for disciples of water sports are dizzying, with snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, and yachting, all of which will bring travelers close to sharks, manta rays, and scores of other marine life.

For a sense of what a green, environmentally conscious Polynesian island looks like, visitors should stop by this spot in New Zealand, accessible by ferry or flight from Auckland. Part of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, a natural archipelago that protects the country's largest city from the rolling Pacific, Great Barrier Island runs entirely on solar power and uses freshwater as its water source. Only about 1,000 people live on the island year-round, a tight-knit community used to welcoming visitors to these rugged shores. 

Upon exploring, travelers will notice a contrast on either side of the island, with tall cliffs and pounding surf on the east, where the island confronts the ocean, while the western side is more serene, with tranquil bays and harbors. More than half of the land falls under the control of the government, and it has been left refreshingly wild, with indigenous plants, forests, and even hot springs. By day, the hiking is phenomenal, while at night, the stargazing is unrivaled.

Despite a devastating fire in and around Lahaina in early August 2023 that ravaged large parts of Maui, this island in Hawaii is slowly welcoming back tourists, a group of visitors that plays a key role in the state's economy. The island's natural allure is similar to other Hawaiian islands, with land that dramatically rises and falls, while clear turquoise water that quickly transforms to dark, deep blue kisses the island's fringes. 

The snorkeling here is sensational, and Honolua Bay is one of Maui's stand-out spots. At this large inlet, the reef sits a little further out in the bay, and while getting there requires some exertion, it is definitely worth it. Maui also promises good water sports, excellent hiking, and even whale watching. Still, it's also a strong center for artistic tradition, especially at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, where music and dance performances often involve local artists.

This small country — about 100 square miles, or about the size of Lincoln, Nebraska — has some truly dramatic limestone formations. Visitors will quickly feel a sense of community here, helped by a Lilliputian population that mirrors that island's proportions, with only about 1,500 locals living on Niue (pronounced "nyoo-ay"). Time here will be remembered for the simplicity of the experience. 

Travelers can laze on beaches, grab a mask and snorkel, marvel over the aquatic treasures underwater, and hop on a boat for a morning of sport fishing. At night, the skies reveal infinite stars and constellations, and since there is little light pollution in Niue, stargazing is a revelation. Perhaps what is most enduring about a trip here is the chance to explore caves and other limestone grottos, some of which sit close to the water. At Limu, where fresh and seawater merge, there are spots to swim and places to explore the caves, while at Matapa Chasm, adventurers can wade in water in the shadow of towering cliffs.

Also known as Easter Island, Rapa Nui sits thousands of miles off the coast of Chile, even though it's part of that country. It's a remote place, moored in the ocean some distance from any other landmass, and that helps it maintain a shroud of mystery, as do the giant stone statues dotted around the isle. These moai, as they are known, number more than 1,000 and appear near beaches, on the sides of hills, in rows and groups, and ceremonial areas. 

Some are mammoth, more than 30 feet in height, and weighing in excess of 70 tons, and most are made from hardened volcanic ash. Beyond being vessels of artistic expression, they are freighted with great cultural significance, a way to commemorate an important member of the tribe or community after they died. Beneath them, the platforms known as "ahu" are the tombs of the individuals they honor. These "moai" are the island's claim to fame, but visitors can also come here to enjoy fine beaches, peaceful boat rides, and horseback rides along the hilly terrain.

Not to be confused with the U.S. territory of American Samoa, which sits to the southeast, the islands of Samoa are an independent nation, easily reached from New Zealand, and promise adventure and relaxation. For travelers searching for a place to decompress, Samoa has many sparkling beaches, where soft sand cedes to warm, clear seas, with coral reefs just offshore. Among the best are Matareva Beach and Falealupo Beach, while near the Samoan capital of Apia, there is a marine reserve where schools of fish swim with abandon. 

For something a little unusual, wander around villages destroyed by a volcanic eruption; you'll see old buildings almost frozen in time within the hardened rock of the lava flow. For a photo-op that will defy belief — is it real or created by AI? — travelers should head to the To-Sua Ocean Trench, a swimming hole with impossibly gorgeous turquoise water that is surrounded by cliffs. While it might seem a little touristy, the eye-popping dance shows during a fiafia night culminate in synchronized performers dancing with fire.

This island effortlessly paints the picture of a tropical idyll, one reason, perhaps, that persuaded Post-Impressionist Master Paul Gauguin to spend time here. It's the hub of French Polynesia, shaped a little like a fat-handled frying pan, home to the capital Papeete, and dominated by the central peak of Mount 'Orehena. It offers all the fabulous outdoor adventures and delights of other regional destinations, but Tahiti adds a little touch of urban finesse into the mix.

Here, the museums and theaters supply something a little je ne sais quoi to the de rigueur beaches, sea, snorkeling, and sun in abundant supply across Polynesia. Even food trucks on the island, known as roulottes, serve grilled dishes al fresco. One museum worth seeking out is Te Fare Iamanaha, which offers a deep exploration of the culture and history of Polynesia. For live musical and theatrical performances, Te Fare Tauhiti Nui, also known as La Maison de la Culture, is the place.

The only island in the Pacific still ruled by a monarchy, Tonga has more than 170 islands in its realm, though the main one, Tongatapu, is where to find the capital, Nuku'alofa. Compared to many other islands on this list, Tongatapu might seem like a bustling spot, with about 105,000 residents on the island, a place of striking scenery and fascinating heritage and culture.

The capital's harbor speaks to the importance of the city, with ferries and merchant ships lining the wharves, preparing to shuttle people and goods to other islands. The city's main market, Talamahu, is a visual treat, with vendors hawking fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, and even crafts. More local heritage will be on view at triliths or monuments that date back more than 900 years, at the tombs of former kings, and at burial mounds by the town of Mu'a. For fans of natural phenomena, the island's blowholes and caves are thrilling excursions.