Top 3 beautiful Islands of Oceania

The Pacific region is also known as Oceania. Oceania dictates around one third of the Earth’s surface area. If you believe that is big, wait till you know the number of islands that exist within that region.

Approximately, 25,000 islands exist within that region. They are homes for many diverse range of people and cultures. Oceania is divided up into three major groups of islands. Melanesia is the first group. Micronesia is the second group. The third group is Polynesia.

Melanesia

Melanesia is a sub- region of Oceania. It exists in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It extends from the island of New Guinea in the west to Tonga in the east. It includes the Arafura Sea. Four independent countries lie within the region of Melanesia.

The nation of Fiji that is composed of many islands is one of the four. Two of the main islands of Fiji are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Vanuatu is the second country. The third is the Solomon Islands. The fourth is the Papua New Guinea.

We will learn more about each of them in detail, so buckle up. If you are thinking of visiting the Pacific region, then you should most certainly read the following. But first, make sure you check out our must see section.

The Nation of Fiji

Fiji is a country that is located in the South Pacific. It is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. It has palm- lined beaches, rugged landscapes, and coral reefs with clear lagoons. The two most prominent islands of Fiji Islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Vanua Levu contains most of the population. Whereas, Viti Levu is the home of the capital. The capital is Suva. Suva is a port city with British colonial architecture. Where you can find the Fiji museum. It has ethnographic exhibits.

In Fiji, people speak Fijian, Fiji Hindi, and English. It is a safe place to visit. However, visitors fall prey to petty crimes. Such as, theft and ATM skimming. Avoid walking alone at night. Especially, in urban areas. Particularly, downtown Suva. Keep any expensive valuables out of sight. Lock your car that in case you have one.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation that makes up about 80 islands that are about 1,300 kilometers. There are many activities to do there. For example, scuba diving at the coral reefs and underwater caverns and wrecks.

You can find the Vanuatu National Museum which offers the nation’s Melanesian culture. Violent crime is rare in Vanuatu. However, petty crime still takes place. So, make sure that all your belongings, including passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Sometimes home break-ins occur, so lock your doors and windows at night. Especially, if you are not home. Vanuatu is quite the poor country. People in Vanuatu speak English, Bislama, and French.

Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is the nation of hundreds of islands that lie South of the Pacific. Despite the history of cannibalism and World War II that the islands carry, it is a pretty safe vacation destination for you and your family.

However, you are only safe by day. By night, you better be cautious and careful. The Solomon Islands are one of Asia’s poorest nations. The land itself is rich in minerals and resources. For example, lead, zinc, nickel, and gold.

However, the population continues to work in farming, fishing, and forestry. They speak English. The islands and waters of the Solomon Islands are particularly special for their remarkable biodiversity. Therefore, many species are only known to the Solomons.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea lies in the southwestern Pacific. It encompasses the eastern half of New Guinea and its offshore islands. It is known for its beaches and coral reefs. On the land itself, you can find volcanoes, dense rainforests, and hiking routes. For example, Kokoda Trail.

However, do not travel there because after the COVID- 19 outbreak, crime spread drastically. Normally, it would be on top of the list of travels. However, it is unsafe at the moment. So, it is advisable to skip this destination for the time being and continue reading. Let us remind you once more to check out this interesting article.

Maybe you would find another destination that is safer and affordable for your next travel plan to spend your vacation there. Crime in PNG (Papua New Guinea) throughout the country spread. In turn, it caused social, political, and economic upturns.

Micronesia

Micronesia is also known as The Federated States of Micronesia. It is a country that spreads across the Pacific Ocean. It contains more than 600 islands. It is divided into 4 island states. The first is Pohnpei. The second is Kosrae. The third is Chuuk. The fourth is Yap. Micronesia is known for its palm- shaded beaches. It is full of diving treasures.

Pohnpei

Pohnpei state is the first state we will be talking about out of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The other states from east to west are Kosrae State, Chuuk State, and Yap State. The main land of the state is Phonpei.

Do you like dancing? Well… Whatever your answer is, I can promise you that you will love dancing after you visit Pohnpei. Pohnpei is famous for its energetic dance. In addition to the relaxing Sakau drink. It is a kava- like drink that is used in ceremonies and sold in bars.

The name Pohnpei means ‘upon a stone altar.’ The people of Pohnpei refer to themselves as Mehn Pohnpei or Of Pohnpei. The island was actually known as Ponape. Make sure you visit Nan Madol. It was once considered the eighth wonder of the world.

Kosrae

Kosrae was known as Kusaie or Strong’s Island. It is the second island we will be talking about out of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. People there speak Kosraean. Sometimes they call it Kusaiean.

Kosrae has more than 50 dive sites available for all the exploring adventurers out there. Kosrae is known for its virgin reef and pristine waters. It is more or less a coral society. Kosrae reefs are pristine and waiting for all the explorers out there.

Kosrae is quite safe. It is located on the easternmost of the Caroline Islands. It has a population of 6,616. It lies about 600 km north of the equator. What are you waiting for? Get those diving suits ready and book your trip.

Chuuk

Chuuk is the third of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. They speak Chuukese in Chuuk. It is a Trukic language of the Austronesian language family. It is spoken in Chuuk and the Caroline Islands in Micronesia. So, get that dictionary ready.

Chuuk is quite safe, so do not worry. It is the perfect destination spot for you. The people of Chuuk or the Chuukese people are quite humble and respectful. They genuinely want their visitors to have a good time in Chuuk.

Chuuk is pretty known for its wreck diving. So, it is not for the faint of heart. The PADI Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving listed four best wreck diving spots. Guess what? Of course Truk Lagoon, in other words Chuuk Lagoon, made it as one of the four.

Yap

Yap is an island in the Federated States of Micronesia. It is the fourth out of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia that we will be talking about. It exists in the Pacific Ocean. It is rich in coral reefs that are home to manta rays and sharks. It is full of villages. For example, Kaday and Wanyan.

In Colonia town, the Yap Living History Museum explores Micronesian culture through dancing and handcrafts. Yap is known for its stone money. Yup, you read that correctly. Stone Money! That stone money is known as either Rei or Fei.

It is large doughnut- like carved disks of calcite. It can reach up to 4m in diameter. The smallest is about 3.5 centimeters in diameter. The only way to arrive to Yap is by sailing a privately owned vessel.  

Polynesia

Polynesia is the third sub- region of Oceania. It makes up more than 1,000 islands that are scattered all over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The natives of the Polynesian lands are called Polynesians. They share many things in common from language to culture and beliefs.

The corners of the triangle are the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand, and the Easter Island. Polynesia actually means many islands in Greek. The Polynesian history can be divided into four eras. The first era is the exploration and settlement era.

It occurred between 1800 B.C. and 700 B.C. It was followed by the pre- European growth era. That was between 700 B.C. and 1595 A.D. During the time, the first distinctive culture came into light. It appeared in north- west Melanesia and spread throughout the Pacific.

However, it was soon overcome by the Western colonization in 1595 till early 1900s. During World War II, many islands were used by the United States, but many islands of Polynesia gained independence, eventually.

Today, Polynesia has two distinct cultures. That of the west and that of the east. West Polynesian culture is categorized by high population, strong marriage institutions, and developed judicial and trade systems.

The West Polynesian lands include Tonga, Niue, Samoa, and the Polynesian outliners. If you have seen Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw, you would most certainly know Samoa. East Polynesian culture, on the other hand, is perceived in the Cook Islands.

Those are Hawaii, Tahiti, the Easter Island, and other small islands. If you have seen Disney Moana, then you should know Tahiti. If you are neither a Fast and Furious fan nor a Disney fan, I suggest you become one because you are missing out.

Polynesia is now known as French Polynesia. Polynesia consists of six independent nations, two political units that are parts of larger nations, two self- governing entities, and five territories. The first independent nation is New Zealand.

The second is Solomon Islands. The third is Tonga. The fourth is Tuvalu. The fifth is Vanuatu. The sixth is Samoa. Hawaii is one of the fifty United States. The American Samoa is one of the territories that is administered by the United States.

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country. It exists in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main lands. The North Island and the South Island. New Zealand consists of over 700 smaller islands.

New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world. So, do not fear there are no snakes, scorpions, or crocodiles.  It is definitely one of the best countries to live in. They speak English and Maori. Maori is the New Zealand Sign Language.

However, it is quite expensive to live there. Everything costs more in New Zealand. It is quite far. The houses are not built well. Public transportation is limited. Earthquakes is an everyday happening. So, yes New Zealand is a good vacation spot, but definitely not a permanent one.

Tonga

Tonga is a Polynesian kingdom that contains about 170 South Pacific islands. Many of those islands are not inhabited. Most of the islands is lined up with white beaches and coral reefs. In addition to being covered with tropical rainforests.

The main island is Tongatapu. It is protected by lagoons and limestone cliffs. It is the home of the rural capital of Nuku’alofa, beach resorts, plantations, the Ha’amonga’a Maui, and a monumental coral gate that existed ever since the 1200s.

The islanders are pretty friendly. The Tonga Islands are also known as The Friendly Islands. They speak English and Tongan. It is quite the safe place. However, it is closed off on Sundays. Sunday is perceived as a sacred day where church and family are the priority.

Tuvalu

If you want to have a vacation on the beach with a stable internet connection, Tuvalu is the place for you. It is about 9 islands that are small, thinly, populated, and with reef and palm- fringed beaches.

It is one of the favorite places for snorkeling and diving among sea turtles and tropical fish. In addition to, a few islands that are not inhabited, but shelter sea birds. It is affordable to go on vacation there. Make sure you know Tuvaluan. Do not worry if you don’t, they also speak English.

Tuvalu is one of the safest places in the world for you to visit. Tuvalu.tv is the sole provider of internet access in Tuvalu. The island mainly depends on fishing as its source of income. About 1600 tourists visit Tuvalu each year.

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is a nation at the south of the Pacific. It has a few political links to New Zealand. They are about 15 islands that are scattered all over a vast area. The largest island of the Cook Islands is Rarotonga.

Rarotonga is the home of some rugged mountains. The national capital of the Cook Islands is Avarua. To the north, you can find the Aitutaki Island that has a vast lagoon that is encircled by coral reefs and small sandy islets.

The Cook Islands are renowned for the many snorkeling and scuba diving sites. The Cook Islands are located halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. They are some of the most desired vocational spots on the map, nowadays.

Easter Island

Easter Island is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia. It is natively known as Rapa Nui. It contains about 900 monumental statues that were created by the inhabitants between the 13^th and the 16^th centuries.

The island is very safe, so there is no need to worry about bringing money onto the island. In addition to that, it is affordable to enjoy your vacation there and cross it off of your bucket travel list. The monumental statues are actually known as Moai.

The Moai are carved human statues with massive heads and they often rest on massive stones that are known as ahus. There are about two ATMs on the island, so you won’t be running out of money. However, there are no trees there. Did you know that cannibalism actually started on Easter Island? Happy Vacation!

Hawaii

Hawaii is definitely on the list of many travelers. It is a nice vacation spot. However, it is pretty pricey. You better start saving up, in order to actually have a chance of going there. If you manage to pay the travelling expenses and all, you will be met with the daily prices of Hawaii.

You will pay from 10 $ to 30 $ and more for food on daily basis. Except if you plan on fasting all day, you will only be charged with dinner which exceeds 30 $ on a daily basis. Now that we covered all the materialistic issues, let me tell you more about Hawaii.

Hawaii is pretty popular for its beaches. Let us be honest, the beaches there are beautiful. There are even beaches with white sand. You can even find a variety of colorful sand. Some beaches have green, red, pink, and black sand. You will find lots of activities to do there, don’t worry. Hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, swimming, diving, or just chilling on the beach are all available.

Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia. It is shaped like a figure eight. It is divided into Tahiti Nui, which is the larger and western section and Tahiti Iti, which is the eastern peninsula. Tahiti is a popular vacation destination. Sadly, you won’t get to see Moana.

Tahiti has black- sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls, and two extinct volcanoes. It was explored by Captain James Cook in the 18^th century. Tahiti was often painted by the French artist Paul Gauguin.

Tahiti is about 1,045 km^2. Papeete is on Tahiti’s northwestern coast. It is also the capital and administrative center of the French Polynesia. Moorea is the island neighboring Tahiti. It is about 12 miles to the northwest.

Samoa

Samoa was officially known as the independent state of Samoa. Until 1997 it was actually known as Western Samoa. It is a Polynesian island country that consists of two main lands, two smaller, inhabited islands, and several smaller uninhabited islands. Like, Aleipata Islands.

Samoa lies south of the equator, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. In the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean. The total area is 2,842 km^2. It is a stable island with a reasonably healthy economy.

Crime rates are low in Samoa. People are friendly and very helpful. It is an affordable destination to travel to.  It is quite simple and you won’t be spending much money. They speak Samoan and English there, so get a Samoan dictionary just in case.