Newlyweds seeking a truly romantic escape will find South Pacific a paradise. It’s home to some of the best island destinations on the planet. A South Pacific honeymoon is for those who want to enjoy the seclusion and embrace the infinitely interesting beauty of the region.
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Is the South Pacific a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
South Pacific Islands are an idyllic spot for your post-wedding holiday—they’re even a great location for a destination wedding. Beautiful beaches, stunning coral reefs, gorgeous coastlines, swaying palm trees. These are some of the things you’ll find in this part of the world.
Suppose you’re heading south for your honeymoon and want to explore beyond Australia or New Zealand. In that case, this region will bless you with golden opportunities to unwind and welcome your married life on a fantastic note.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in the South Pacific?
- Snorkeling and scuba diving. With the beautiful marine life and coral reefs the South Pacific offers, these aquatic adventures should be on your list. Fiji and Vanuatu offer some of the best spots for these activities.
- Island hopping. Explore the stunning islands in this region and be mesmerized by each land’s unique charm. Tourists visiting French Polynesia, Fiji, and the Cook Islands are in for a remarkable island-hopping adventure.
- Sunset cruise. No matter which island destination you’ve booked, a sunset cruise is always a romantic idea. The Cook Islands’ Aitutaki and French Polynesia’s Tahiti provide newlyweds with picturesque sunset views worth traveling for.
- In-land adventures. South Pacific islands are only known for their beaches and lush forests. The latter calls for some unforgettable adventures. Hilo, Hawaii, is ideal for ziplining, while Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia in Bora Bora have great hiking trails.
What Is the Best Month to Visit the South Pacific?
The South Pacific is a great year-round honeymoon destination. If you want to enjoy its beauty better, go when the weather is driest—between April and October. Note that if you’re visiting a French Polynesian island, the ideal travel period is from June to August.
Is a Honeymoon in the South Pacific Expensive?
A romantic honeymoon for seven days in the South Pacific costs about $3,000 to over $4,000.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in the South Pacific
- Keep the airfare in mind and choose the cheapest destination to fly into.
- Visit your destination of choice during its specific shoulder season.
- Choose affordable lodging.
- Instead of taking local flights from one island to another, consider taking the ferry if this option is available.
- On land, take public transport or rent a bicycle.
- Eat like a local and shop at local markets to stock up on snacks or ingredients you want to cook.
- Take advantage of any free activity offered by your accommodation. Avail of honeymoon packages as they’re often cost-effective.
7 Best Islands to Stay On In the South Pacific
Bora Bora
Though only a small island, Bora Bora in the Society Islands, French Polynesia, is a dreamy destination for honeymooners who want an uber-romantic getaway. It’s famous for its crystal-clear beaches, lagoons, and lush tropical landscape.
As for adventures, you’ll enjoy both aquatic and land-based ones. Visit the Lagoonarium, Coral Gardens, and Mount Otemanu, or book a 4×4 safari tour.
Where to stay: Apart from iconic over-the-water bungalows, accommodation options include private villas, beach houses, and luxury resorts in motus or atolls (e.g., St. Regis Bora Bora in Motu Ome’e). Matira, located on the main island’s southern tip, is home to upscale resorts like InterContinental and Sofitel. On the other hand, the town of Vaitape offers low-key lodges and lets you stay near supermarkets, boutique shops, and sports fields.
How to arrive: Fly into Tahiti and take a domestic flight to the Bora Bora Airport (known as Motu Mute Airport)
Tahiti
Although French Polynesia is often referred to as the Islands of Tahiti, Tahiti itself is the name of one of the islands (the largest and the highest) in this region. It’s also the capital of French Polynesia.
It’s world-famous for surfing, but you can also explore the stunning waterfalls it’s blessed with, including Faarumai and Fautaua Waterfalls.
Head to La Plage de Maui for white sand beaches, or hop on a ferry and visit its sister island, Moorea.
Where to stay: Like Bora Bora, Tahiti is famed for its overwater lodgings. For more budget-friendly options, there are guest houses and homestays available. One of the most popular luxury resorts here is the InterContinental Resort Tahiti (located in Faa’a). First-timers often stay in the Papeete area because of its central location, while those who want a local experience opt for Tahiti Iti.
How to arrive: Fly into Faa’a International Airport (it’s also the hub for other French Polynesian islands)
Samoa
This archipelago comprises nine islands, with Upolu and Savai’i as the largest. It’s nestled between Hawaii and New Zealand and has mesmerizing turquoise waters. You’ll likely meet and swim with turtles when you hit its beaches.
One of the top attractions here is the Sua Ocean Trench in Upolu. The giant swimming hole is a perfect backdrop for those honeymoon photos.
Where to stay: Various lodging options include luxury resorts and villas. But if you want an authentic Samoan experience, stay in a beach fale. This beachfront thatched hut is a trademark of Samoan architecture. Apia, the country’s capital city, is a good base, although it has a different vibe than near-the-beach areas. If you prefer the latter, stay in East Upolu or West Upolu.
How to arrive: Faleolo International Airport on the main island of Upolu is your gateway to Samoa
Cook Islands
This region comprises 15 islands, including the tourist hubs Rarotonga and Aitutaki. The former is a volcanic island known for the Muri Lagoon, perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
The latter is a more secluded island where you can enjoy an intimate picnic date and take gorgeous sandbar photos. You can go from one of these islands to another via a domestic flight.
Where to stay: Overwater bungalows, guesthouses, backpacker lodges, and villas for rent are some of the accommodation options available. Rarotonga island, home to the region’s international airport, is a strategic area to stay in.
How to arrive: Fly into the Rarotonga International Airport. If you’re staying in Aitutaki, you must book a local flight.
Fiji
The Fiji Islands offer a tropical and idyllic environment for a post-nuptials getaway. Viti Levu, the largest island in this region, has Natadola Beach—one of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific.
On the island of Taveuni, visiting the protected jungle area of Bouma National Heritage Park and meeting species native to the region is a wonderful experience.
Where to stay: You can find the usual tropical destination lodging in Fiji, including overwater bungalows and villas. A unique option here is a bure or a thatched-roof bungalow with a rustic appeal. Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Malolo Island, Mamanuca is the only lodging that offers overwater bures. On the other hand, Yasawa Island is home to an all-inclusive resort for a secluded stay. Viti Levu is the best area to stay if you want to experience an urban lifestyle, the Mamanucas for a tranquil island experience.
How to arrive: Fly into the Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu’s west coast. Book a local flight to visit nearby islands.
Vanuatu
Home to an enchanting blue lagoon, Vanuatu is one of the best gems in the South Pacific. Swim, encounter friendly marine creatures, and take exotic 4WD tours at the Mount Yasur volcano.
If you want a tourist spot that has pop-culture significance, know that Efate was the location of three global “Survivor” versions. Porta Vila, it’s capital city, offers adrenaline-pumping activities like parasailing and jet skiing.
Where to stay: From beach resorts and hotels to holiday homes, there are plenty of accommodation options in Vanuatu. Many properties also offer nakamal-style facilities (nakamal showcases indigenous architecture). Tanna Island has the best beaches, Port Villa has many shops and restaurants, and Efate is considered the best island for romantic holidays.
How to arrive: The main airport is Bauerfield International Airport, located in Port Vila. You can book ferry rides to travel around the region.
Hawaii
This US territory located in the South Pacific is many honeymooners’ dream destination. It conjures images of a laid-back island life.
Beyond its pristine beaches, it has forests and volcanoes that all the more add to its beauty. Kauai has an intimate, rural atmosphere, while O’ahu is home to the state capital, the vibrant Honolulu and the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
Where to stay: O’ahu is the best place to find world-class resorts and high-end hotels. Apart from such accommodations, the islands of Hawaii also offer boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and homey vacation rentals.
How to arrive: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu is Hawaii’s main airport. If you’re staying in Kauai, you must fly into Lihue Airport.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in the South Pacific?
You’ll find a luxury resort or boutique accommodation that will suit your taste and budget.
All-inclusive honeymoon resorts and adults-only are also available if you want a secluded celebration of your married life.
If you want to go beyond the usual beachfront lodging, consider staying in overwater bungalows and luxury villas.
There are also over-the-water bure accommodations. Such lodgings are found in Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, and Fiji Islands. Fiji, in particular, is suitable for ultra-secluded getaways as several of its islands got themselves private island resort.
What Type of Food Should You Try in the South Pacific?
- Tropical fruits. When you think of islands in the South Pacific, you probably imagine pristine beaches and tropical foods. And if you happen to visit any of these tropical havens, it’s a must to indulge in their selection of fruits, including rambutan, longan, lychee, and passion fruit.
- Root vegetables. Used as side dishes or ingredients in soups and stews, root crops like taro, yams, taro, and sweet potatoes are traditionally grown in the region.
- Kokoda. Seafood dishes also abound in South Pacific islands, but one of the most popular (it has many variations) is kokoda. It features raw fish and a dressing made with coconut cream with chilies, salt, onions, and lime juice.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a South Pacific Honeymoon?
This will ultimately depend on which island you’ll visit. Some activities you can include—cooking or a language class, a walking tour with a local guide, visiting cultural sites, and learning local handicrafts (e.g., wood carving, weaving, tapa cloth making, shell jewelry making).
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in the South Pacific
Enjoy a laid-back honeymoon when you choose a destination in the South Pacific. You must pack light, breathable clothing as the weather can be hot and humid.
Bring your favorite swimsuits and beachwear, but don’t forget the things that will protect you from the sun—sunscreen, hats, and coverups.
You must also bring insect sprays, comfortable walking shoes, and a lightweight rain jacket in case of a sudden rain shower.
Is the South Pacific Safe to Visit?
South Pacific isn’t just easily one of the best honeymoon destinations globally but also one of the safest. But to secure a safe holiday, here are some tips to follow:
- Stick to well-lit areas and avoid wandering at night in sketchy areas.
- Keep valuables secure and know your surroundings when walking or riding public transportation.
- Always swim in designated areas only. Don’t swim by yourselves.
- Book your activities and tours with reputable companies. Check any gear (e.g., scuba diving gear) before using them.
- Stock up on sunscreen and keep yourself hydrated.
South Pacific Honeymoon Travel Tips
- It’s safest to drink bottled or filtered water.
- English is widely spoken in the South Pacific.
- Most establishments accept US, New Zealand, and Australian dollars. In French Polynesia, euros are accepted, too. Some islands have their currencies, such as the Fijian dollar ($1 is FJ$2.2) and Samoan tala ($1 is WS$2.7).
- Tipping is not customary but is generally welcome.
- In some islands, people are expected to dress moderately. So when leaving the vicinity of your lodging, wear something to cover any revealing clothes.