South Pacific Islands
Discover more of the exotic South Pacific Seas - Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Easter Island.
Until recently, the 3,300 islands which make up the South Pacific Island countries, covering
over 11 million square miles of ocean, have remained fairly inaccessible, even to the most
intrepid traveler.
Now, with regular air and sea services, reliable telecommunications and tourism facilities,
these South Pacific islands and their people are ready to welcome you. Discover the islands where myths, legends
and folklore come together in a unique blend of traditional song, dance and celebration.
Prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable experience to lands untouched by time.
|
|
 |
|
Samoa
The capital of Samoa is Apia, a colorful, historic, old South Seas town, on the island of Upolu. This island is the most developed and the most populous of Samoa. The largest island, Savai'i, is the biggest island in all of Polynesia outside of Hawaii and New Zealand.
English is the official language, and Samoans are extremely hospitable people. They are very friendly to visitors and, in the Samoan culture, the life within the family group is all important. Since the times of the early missionaries, the people have been devout Christians and religion still plays a major role in the Samoan way of life. Next to the Maori in New Zealand, the Samoans are the largest group of pure-blooded Polynesians in the world.
The islands have attracted famous writers over the years, one of the best-known being Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent the latter years of his life in Samoa. The home of Tusitala ("The Teller of Tales"), called Vailima, is located near Apia and is now a museum, open to visitors. Stevenson and his wife, Fanny, are buried near Vailima, and the gravesite may also be visited.
In addition to the Samoan culture, the traveler can also enjoy some of the South Pacific's most undeveloped and beautiful beaches.
| Size, Location, Population |
Approximately 2,300 miles SSW of Hawaii. Samoa's 180,000 inhabitants live on 4 of its 5 islands.
|
 |
| Time Zone |
3 hours behind Pacific Standard Time. |
|
| Entry Formalities |
Valid passport and onward ticket. No visa required for U.S. citizens for stays of less than 30 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. |
|
| Currency |
The decimal currency is the tala (dollar) and sene (cent). 100 sene = WS$1.
|
|
| Bank Hours |
Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm.
|
|
| Departure Tax |
SAT30 (approximately $12 USD)
|
|
| Electricity |
230V/240V
|
|
| Language |
English is the official language for government and commerce, otherwise most Samoans communicate with each other in Samoan.
|
|
| Shopping |
Usually 8am to 12 noon, and 1:30pm to 4pm. Some small shops and department stores stay open at lunch, and some stores open Saturday from 8am-12 noon. Native markets, the place to shop for wood carvings, baskets and tapa cloth, are open early in the morning.
|
|
| Tipping |
Tipping is not the custom in Samoa.
|
|
| Climate |
Tropical, with temperatures hovering around 80°F year-round. The heaviest rainfall occurs from December to March.
|
|
| Food |
Apia offers a wide range of dining options, from better hotel restaurants to interesting, smaller eating places which serve a variety of dishes and Samoan food at very reasonable prices.
|
|
|
|
Close Info
|
|
|
More Info about Samoa
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
Vanuatu
In 1906, an unusual form of government was established here - a "condominium". The French and the British jointly governed the country. Independence was eventually attained in 1980. The inhabitants in Vanuatu today speak French and English, as well as the national language, Bislama, a form of Pidgin English.
Bougainvillea-clad Port Vila, on Efate Island, is the capital of the country. The town is lined with shops and of particular note is the Port Vila Market open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Here one will see a tempting array of tropical fruits, vegetables, coconut crabs, shells, artifacts and souvenirs.
Most of the 160,000 people of Vanuatu are Melanesian and are known as ni-Vanuatu people. It is a land of many languages - approximately 115 - and numerous customs and traditions. The traditional culture is as strong today as it was many years ago, with customs differing from island to island and having a strong impact on ni-Vanuatu life, despite generations of missionary and other out side influences.
American soldiers established bases on the islands in World War II, especially on Espiritu Santo, the largest island in the chain. Known locally as Santo, it was once home to over 100,000 American servicemen. It was here a young U.S. Army lieutenant, James Michener, wrote the legendary Tales of the South Pacific. There are still many relics and reminders of the war here in Espiritu Santo.
Other remarkable islands in the Vanuatu archipelago are Tanna, where visitors can see an active volcano, and Pentecost Island, where the local islanders have a unique ritual of jumping, bound at the ankles, from high poles - the forerunner of today's bungy jumping.
| Size, Location, Population |
Of the 82 islands that make up Vanuatu, the 12 largest represent 93% of the land surface. They are situated in the heart of Melanesia (between New Guinea and New Caledonia) - population 160,000.
|
|
| Time Zone |
Pacific Standard Time + 19 hours.
|
|
| Entry Formalities |
Valid passport. No visa required for U.S. citizens for stays of less than 30 days. Outbound air ticket required. U.S. passport must be valid for up to 3 months beyond intended stay
|
|
| Currency |
The local currency unit is the vatu. |
|
| Bank Hours |
Monday through Friday, 8am-3pm. Hours may vary.
|
|
| Departure Tax |
VUV2800 included in ticket. (approximately $26 USD). |
|
| Electricity |
220-240 volts AC. |
|
| Language |
Bislama, English and French, plus 105 local languages in common use!
|
|
| Shopping |
Monday through Friday 7:30am-5pm, and Saturday morning. Most shops close between 11:30am-1:30pm. The colorful market in the town center operates every day except Sunday for handicrafts. Vila is also a duty free port.
|
|
| Tipping |
No tipping or bargaining please. |
|
| Climate |
Semi-tropical. Cooler and drier August and September. Warm and rainy November to April. Average temperatures range 84°F-87°F.
|
|
| Food |
Dining is a highlight of a visit to Vanuatu. Fresh local fish, beef, fruit and vegetables are in plentiful supply. Top class restaurants offer Melanesian, French, Polynesian, Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, English and Japanese specialties.
|
|
|
|
Close Info
|
|
|
More Info about Vanuatu
|
 |
Tonga
Tongans, like their Polynesian cousins in other parts of the Pacific, have very close family relations and are devout Christians. Sabbath is a day strictly observed in the country - there are no sporting events nor is there work or trade. If visitors are in the country on a Sunday, they should take advantage of attending one of the many church services held, as the Tongan choral church music is exceptional. Nearly all Tongans speak English, as it's taught in school, but the official language is Tongan.
Tongatapu is the main island in Tonga's 170-island group and is where the capital of Nuku'alofa is located. Two-thirds of the population lives here.
Unique sights prevail in Tonga. A visit to a local crafts market is a must - Tongans are masters at basketry and the making of tapa cloth. In the countryside of Tongatapu, blowholes and flying foxes are to be discovered, and near the village of Niutoua is Ha'amonga Trilithon, known as the "Stonehenge of the Pacific." This huge, ancient arch is estimated to have been built in the 12th century A.D. One of the South Pacific's finest beaches is on small 'Atata Island where the traveler can enjoy a stay at a picturesque, small off-shore resort.
| Size, Location, Population |
The three main island groups which make up the Kingdom of Tonga lie midway between Fiji and the Cook Islands. Of the total population (94,500), two-thirds live on the main island of Tongatapu.
|
|
| Time Zone |
Pacific Standard Time + 21 hours.
|
|
| Entry Formalities |
Valid passport and roundtrip ticket. No visa required for U.S. citizens for stays of less than 30 days.
|
|
| Currency |
The Tongan dollar or pa'anga equals 100 seniti (cents). Notes are in denominations of 50 seniti, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pa'anga.
|
|
| Bank Hours |
Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm.
|
|
| Departure Tax |
TOP25 (approximately $13 USD) |
|
| Electricity |
240 volts. A converter/adapter kit is necessary.
|
|
| Language |
Most Tongans speak some English. But a Tongan "yes" can mean "no" and vice versa, as Tongans are a polite race and will sometimes say what they think is the desired answer, rather than the correct one.
|
|
| Shopping |
Stores are open Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm (but generally closed from 1pm-2pm) and Saturday 8am-12 noon. Tongan handicrafts (baskets, mats and tapa cloth) are among the best in the Pacific and are very reasonably priced.
|
|
| Tipping |
Tongans do not expect tips. |
|
| Climate |
Pleasant year-round. Slightly cooler and less rain than other tropical areas. Cool from June to August, and warm December to March. |
|
|
|
Close Info
|
|
|
More Info about Tonga
|
 |
Solomon Island
The second largest island chain in the Pacific, with 992 islands, the Solomons are scattered between Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. The six major islands in the nation are Guadalcanal, New Georgia, San Cristobal, Santa Isabel, Malaita, and Choiseul.
The Solomon Islands were a British Protectorate in the late 19th century and were granted independence in 1978. They are now governed as a constitutional monarchy with a governor-general representing the Queen. The capital is Honiara, located on Guadalcanal, the most-visited island. It is the economic and governmental center of the country.
Here, in this archipelago of mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls, one can experience the undiscovered delights of a primitive culture which has not allowed the advances of the outside world to overshadow it. Traditional garb, age-old customs, rituals and taboos still endure in the Solomons. The basic social structure is the extended family, although structure and tradition vary from island to island.
Most of the population is Christian. English is the official language, but Pijin (a form of Pidgin English) is used by the villagers to communicate among the 87 indigenous languages of the country. The Solomons are noted for exquisite wood carvings, inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
| Size, Location, Population |
1,240 miles northeast of Australia, the Solomons are made up of 6 large islands, about 20 medium-sized ones, and countless smaller islets (about 992 in all). 93% of the 350,000 population are Melanesian. |
|
| Time Zone |
Pacific Standard Time + 18 hours. |
|
| Entry Formalities |
Valid passport. No visa required for U.S. citizens for stays of less than 30 days. No vaccinations required; however, malaria pills are highly recommended. |
|
| Currency |
The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar, which is tied to the Australian dollar. Before leaving Honiara for the outer islands, be sure to change your travelers checks, as it is often difficult to do so in smaller villages. |
|
| Bank Hours |
Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm. |
|
| Departure Tax |
SBD40 (approximately $6 USD). |
|
| Electricity |
230/240V 50 Hz where available |
|
| Language |
Predominantly English and Melanesian pidgin. |
|
| Shopping |
Monday through Friday, 8am-12 noon and 1-5pm. Saturday 8am-12 noon. The central market is open all day, but is best before 10:30am. Items of interest are handicrafts, seashells and shell money. |
|
| Tipping |
Tipping is discouraged and may actually offend. |
|
| Climate |
Warm and humid, with daytime temperatures ranging 80°F-90°F. The wettest months are January through March. |
|
| Food |
There's a variety of small restaurants and fast-food establishments in Honiara serving everything from Chinese food to meat pies. |
|
|
|
Close Info
|
|
|
More Info about Solomon Islands
|
 |
Easter Island
Rapa Nui, or Easter Island as it's better known, has fascinated people for years, with its history, unique archaeology, legends and traditions. Archaeological remains can be found everywhere on the island, virtually making all of Easter an open-air museum.
The island is not typical of other South Pacific islands as it's not particularly tropical. Easter is triangular in shape with an extinct volcano at each point, and smaller volcanoes in the central area. The local people - the Rapa Nui - are of Polynesian descent. There are many stories as to where they came from, but one widely held is that the people originally came by boat from the Marquesas Islands around the 4th century. The first European to make contact with the islanders was a Dutch admiral, Jacob Roggeveen, who came on Easter Sunday, 1722 - thus the name of Easter Island.
Easter Island is a province of Chile, and Spanish is spoken by nearly everyone on the island. English is also spoken by those who deal with tourists. The currencies are the Chilean peso and the U.S. dollar. The main attraction for visitors to the island is seeing the mystical moai (statues) that are scattered everywhere, including some that, strangely, were never completed.
| Size, Location, Population |
2294 miles west of Chile, enigmatic Easter Island is the world's most remote inhabited island. Only about 2000 people live on the island, and nearly all of them live in the town of Hanga Roa. |
|
| Time Zone |
Pacific Standard Time + 3 hours. |
|
| Entry Formalities |
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most Western European countries do not require a visa, although US citizens do pay a $100 levy (cash only). Canadians pay a $55 levy. A 90-day entry permit, renewable for another 90 days, is received on entering the country. |
|
| Currency |
Chilean peso and U.S. dollar. |
|
| Bank Hours |
Money exchange for all important currencies can now be had at the lone gas station on Hotu Matua Street. |
|
| Departure Tax |
Fees are collected upon entry, not exit. |
|
| Electricity |
220 volts, AC 50 cycles. |
|
| Language |
Spanish and Rapa Nui are spoken on Easter Island, though English is also spoken by those who deal with tourists. |
|
| Shopping |
The local artisans make many kinds of carved pieces, some in stone, but mostly in wood. These range from tiny "moai" statues, to large wood bowls, to rongorongo replicas, to extraordinary works of art that are very costly. Do not buy any genuine artifacts, such as spear points (mata'a) or chisels (toki), or fishhooks, as it is illegal to remove these from the island. Do not buy anything made of coral, as this encourages those who take coral from the meager reef areas off the north coast. |
|
| Tipping |
You may wish to leave a tip for the person who cleans your hotel room and brings fresh towels. At more upscale restaurants, a tip might be expected (15%). Small restaurants run by one person (the owner) are less likely to expect a tip, but if you have a waiter or waitress serving you, a tip is appreciated. You may also tip your tour guide if you have had a particularly good experience. |
|
| Climate |
Easter Island is temperate, and rarely gets any hotter than 85°F, but may feel muggy in summer (December-March). Winters are mild, with a low of around 57°F, but may feel colder due to wind-chill factor. The wind blows constantly, sometimes from several directions at once. Rainfall averages around 44 inches a year, with most in the winter months (June-August). |
|
| Food |
Prices are high because nearly everything is imported from the mainland. The best buys are locally-grown produce. In summer, there are fresh local pineapples, watermelon, and a variety of produce. |
|
|
|
Close Info
|
|
|
More Info about Easter Island
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Join our Travel Club
Receive hot deals and news
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
