Best Holiday Destinations in the Pacific

Living in Australia, we’re lucky to have some of the globe’s most picture-perfect destinations right on our doorstep. The Pacific Ocean is an endless treasure trove of breathtaking islands, each fringed by golden sand beaches and crystalline ocean waters. But don’t be fooled – while many islands in the Pacific may appear similar at first glance, each destination has something unique to offer.

Whether you crave a ‘flop and drop’ resort getaway or an action-packed island adventure, here are some of the best holiday destinations in the Pacific.

Fiji

Best for: A family-friendly getaway

Fiji is easily Australia’s favourite Pacific holiday destination, and it’s no wonder why. Travel here and be greeted with joyous cries of ‘Bula’ at every turn – the genuine warmth and happiness of the local people are truly what makes a Fiji holiday so special. With over 300 islands to explore, expect your Fiji holiday to be filled with exciting activities, like swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, ziplining and more. If you prefer a ‘flop and drop’ holiday, Fiji’s resorts offer exquisite dining, relaxing spa spaces, immersive cultural experiences and world-renowned childcare services.

A sea turtle glides through vibrant coral reefs, surrounded by colorful fish in clear blue waters.

Vanuatu

Best for: Thrilling outdoor adventures

Thrillseekers need to add Vanuatu to their Pacific bucket list. Boasting 83 islands of adventure, Vanuatu is a land of luminescent swimming holes, fiery volcanoes, hidden cave systems and mountainous jungle. Flights arrive in the capital of Port Vila on Efate Island, where you’ll find most of Vanuatu’s tourism infrastructure, including several luxury resorts and a choice of restaurants, shops and tour operators. Want to venture off the beaten path? Head to Tanna to ashboard down the slopes of the active Mount Yasur or Espiritu Santo to go canyoneering in Millennium Cave.

Erupting volcano with fiery lava and bright sparks, surrounded by billowing smoke and dramatic clouds at sunset.

Hawaii

Best for: Beachfront luxury

Home to awe-inspiring scenery, tempting eats, epic outdoor adventures and more luxury resorts than we can count, Hawaii is easily one of the dreamiest holiday destinations in the Pacific Ocean. Each of Hawaii’s eight major islands offers something unique, however, Oahu is a great starting point for first-time visitors. Here, you can visit some of Hawaii’s most iconic attractions, including Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbour, Diamond Head and the North Shore. If you have time in your itinerary for some island hopping, we recommend the Big Island for volcano trekking, Kauai for waterfall chasing and Maui for beach bumming.

Aerial view of a serene beach with turquoise water, white sand, and blue umbrellas shaded by palm trees.

New Caledonia

Best for: A touch of European flair

New Caledonia may be our closest neighbour on the East Coast, but this string of 140 islands doesn’t feel anything like home. As an overseas territory of France, New Caledonia has a unique European flair that you won’t find anywhere else in the Pacific. Holiday in the capital of Noumea and find yourself browsing stylish art galleries, shopping the latest French fashion trends and dining on exquisite French food and wine. Yet, water lovers will also find themselves in heaven on a New Caledonia holiday. Surrounded by the world’s largest lagoon and second-largest barrier reef, the snorkelling and diving opportunities in New Caledonia are unparalleled.

Aerial view of a coastal town at dusk, featuring sandy beaches, modern buildings, and lush hills along the shoreline.

Samoa

Best for: Authentic Polynesian culture

For a glimpse into authentic Polynesian culture, book a trip to Samoa. Life here remains relatively unchanged by modernity, with locals living by fa’a Samoa – the ‘Samoan way’ – in traditional villages governed by chiefs. Immerse yourself in this way of life with a visit to the Samoa Cultural Village or at your resort’s fiafia night. Samoa is also home to some astounding natural wonders, such as the To-Sua Ocean Trench, Alofaaga Blowholes, Saleaula Lava Field and Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. Culture vultures and nature lovers alike are guaranteed to fall in love with this Pacific hidden gem.

A performer ignites the evening sky with swirling fire in a tropical beach setting, surrounded by palm trees at sunset.

Cook Islands

Best for: Unspoiled scenery

Holidaying in the Cook Islands is like stepping into a real-life postcard. Scattered between New Zealand and Hawaii, this archipelago of just 15 islands may well be the South Pacific’s best-kept secret. The main island of Rarotonga takes just 35 minutes to circumnavigate by car, yet is home to plenty of palm-fringed beaches, colourful snorkelling spots, jungle-clad, bustling marketplaces and sacred Polynesian relics. Hop on a plane to Aitutaki atoll, famously home to the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Lagoon’, and join a lagoon cruise to visit some of the nearby motu (islets), including One Foot Island, where you can get your passport stamped at the smallest post office on Earth.

A stunning tropical beach with palm trees, soft white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise water under a bright blue sky.

Palau

Best for: Snorkelling and diving

If you’ve already explored the most popular holiday destinations in the Pacific and are looking for somewhere new, why not consider Palau? Located in the Micronesia region of the western Pacific, Palau is best known as a diving destination. In fact, Palau has been nicknamed the ‘underwater Serengeti’, thanks to its mammoth 1300 species of reef fish, 500 coral species and 17 species of shark. For the best snorkelling and diving in Palau, join an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Islands. This is where you’ll find the mesmerising Jellyfish Lake, where you can swim with millions of (non-stinging) jellyfish. Talk about a unique holiday experience!

A vibrant underwater scene showcasing colorful coral reefs and schools of small, purple fish against a clear blue ocean backdrop.

Solomon Islands

Best for: Ecotourism

Perhaps the wildest holiday destination in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands is an ideal travel spot for ecotourists, thanks to its abundance of unspoiled natural wonders and non-traditional accommodation options. Here, you can explore thick jungles, surf uncrowded waves and climb dormant volcanoes. Once a battle site during World War II, the Solomon Islands is scattered with historic relics, like abandoned tanks and amphibious vehicles. You can also head beneath the surface to dive amongst sunken World War II seaplanes, submarines and oil tankers.

Sunset at a tropical beach with vibrant pink clouds, palm trees, and calm sea.

Escape to Pacific Paradise with My Holiday

 

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