Vacationing on big name islands like Tahiti, Maui and Fiji may seem enticing for their white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters, but the same paradise-like experience awaits in some lesser-known destinations as well. With the added perk of a more authentic getaway and less visitors, dare to be different by diving into these underrated South Pacific and Hawaiian islands.
Taha’a
Part of the Leeward Islands group, Taha’a is often overlooked for its better-known neighbor, Bora Bora. Since the small island is also without its own airport, Taha’a is only accessible by boat from its sister island, Raiatea. Despite Taha’a’s under-the-radar status and semi-remote location, the island is a hidden paradise with its vanilla-scented aroma and of course, sparce crowds.
Nicknamed the “Vanilla Island” for its sizable production of the spice, travelers can expect to find the flavoring in many of their dishes. A hidden delight, vanilla can also be found in another locally produced good — rum! Because of the island’s abundance of sugarcane, Taha’a is a prime location to produce the liquor and for visitors who want a little taste, both the Pari Pari and Mana’o distilleries offer tours. More than vanilla and rum, the island is also known for its multicolored coral reefs, fishing excursions, scenic trails and picnics out on the motu, an islet formation made from broken coral and sand.
Guadalcanal
Situated southwest in the Pacific Ocean and part of the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal beckons travelers with its natural allure. Tropical rainforests, beach-lined coasts and a mountainous terrain merge to create a quiet sanctuary, ideal for visitors looking to enjoy a slow-paced trip with maximum relaxation. The capital city of Honiara is a great starting point for travelers as Central Market is celebrated for its fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and other seafood offerings. Local artisans often mingle with tourists here as well, selling their wood carvings, bamboo panpipes, Buka baskets and other handmade goods.
For the history buffs, this island name may ring a different bell as it was the site of the Battle of Guadalcanal, a pivotal battle in World War II between Japan and the Allied troops. Because of the island’s history as a battleground, Guadalcanal is also known for its numerous historical war sites. The wrecks at Bonegi Beach and Iron Bottom Sound make for excellent diving locations while various memorials at Red Beach, Alligator Creek and Edson’s Ridge are available for those who prefer to stay on land.
No matter how visitors choose to fill their itineraries, Guadalcanal is a reprieve from other popular tourist destinations, making it the ideal spot for an off-the-grid getaway.
Vanua Levu
Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu remains largely untouched by tourism, making it the ideal spot for an authentic Fijian experience. The island’s main town, Savusavu, is known for its geothermal hot springs and vibrant local market, both of which make for great opportunities to interact with locals and partake in traditional Fijian life. Perfect for outdoor adventurers, Namena Marine Reserve, a once overfished corner of the ocean, has been restored and is thriving with tropical fish, eels, seahorses and coral, making for a once-in-a-lifetime dive spot. Sekawa River is known for its tubing trips while snorkeling at Split Rock offers a glimpse at some of the island’s other native marine life.
If the secluded beaches, diverse aquatic ecosystems and authentic experiences aren’t enough, visitors should head to Labasa, the island’s second largest town. Here, the population is predominantly Indo-Fijian and is known for its curry houses, souvenir shops and sugarcane mills. Regardless of where a visitor spends their time when traveling to Vanua Levu, the quiet Fijian life and authentic experience is sure to make for an unforgettable trip.
Easter Island
Known by the indigenous inhabitants as Rapa Nui, this Chilean territory, also a remote volcanic island, is one shrouded in mystery. Little is known about the island’s origins and the ancestry of the locals is widely contested by scholars, even today. Easter Island may also sound familiar because of its famed Moai statues and much like the origins of the island itself, not much is known about why the statues were erected or who they specifically depict. The Moai are carved human figures with oversized heads and the statues can be found all over the island, though the Ahu Tongariki is the largest standing group.
Aside from these mysterious structures, Easter Island is one of rugged beauty as it geographically is too far south to have a tropical climate. Visiting the Rano Raraku quarry which supplied the stones to create the Moai is a popular stop while hiking up the side of Rano Kua, the largest volcano on the island, provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the Rapa Nui people. While Easter Island maintains a rocky coastline, Anakena Beach is one of two places on the island with white sand and turquoise waters, making it an ideal stop for surfing or even horseback riding. Traveling to Easter Island may not offer many answers about its history, but the mystery makes this destination all the more enticing.
Vanuatu
A south Pacific Ocean nation made up of 80 islands, Vanuatu flexes a diverse landscape including mountains, tropical rainforests and secluded beaches in addition to a myriad of fascinating attractions. Snorkeling in the Coral Sea and swimming in the Mele Cascades or Blue Lagoon are all fun activities with a beautiful backdrop, but for the travelers who are feeling brave, hiking up the side of Mount Yasur, an active volcano, is a must-do. Mystery Island, also known as Inyeug or Aneityum Island by the locals, is another fascinating stop for a culturally immersive experience. The island was said to once be a meeting spot for tribal chiefs to discuss important matters also doubling as U.S. landing strip in World War II, but now showcases local performances, arts and cuisine.
The largest, easily accessible shipwreck in the world is also located in Vanuatu on Espiritu Santo Island. The SS President Coolidge is a WWII relic and is known for its well-preserved artifacts including a barber’s chair. If historical sites don’t impress, visitors should head over to Hideaway Island Marine Reserve. A rocky islet with no Wi-Fi, this island has the world’s only underwater post office and better yet, it’s operational!
Molokaʻi
A distant relative to the South Pacific islands, Molokaʻi, Hawaii’s fifth largest island, is an underrated tropical paradise. The island is categorized into three regions, each one distinctly different than the rest. The West End is known to be a quiet reprieve, offering serene sandy shores and a peaceful atmosphere. Here, Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii’s largest white sand beaches, stretches three miles long and features a distant view of Diamond Head, a volcanic cone on Oʻahu.
Central Molokaʻi, on the other hand, is busier with the vibrant shops and eateries in the small town of Kaunakaki drawing attention. Kalaupapa National Historical Park is also located in the central region, which offers the unique experience of riding a mule down the sea cliffs to reach the remote settlement of Kalaupapa. The East End contrarily, beckons adventure seekers with its hiking trails and cliffside views. Hālawa Valley for instance, can only be explored via a guided hike which leads visitors to sacred heiau, or temples, vistas and the famed 250-foot Moaʻula Falls. While Molokaʻi may not be designed for a luxury experience like some other Hawaiian islands, its naturalistic beauty is unbeatable.
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