Star Collector: Beyond Polynesia: Society Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu & New Caledonia

Bora Bora is one of over 100 islands in the South Pacific. The people are a mix of Maori, Chinese and European, and have a unique, welcoming culture. One can experience turquoise blue waters, white sand beaches, as well as a heathly mix of culture and the arts. Excellent hiking, scuba diving, fishing, boating and more can also be easily found.

Lifou Island, the most populous of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia, is a flat, former coral atoll wtih abundant vegetation and surrounded by secluded coral reefs which many say offer some of the best snorkeling in the world. Don’t forget to stop in the village of Easo and visit the Notre Dame de Lourdes church. It dates back as far as 1898 and provides magnificent views of the sea.

Tahiti, (te-hê´tê) island (1988 pop. 115,820), 402 sq mi (1,041 sq km), S Pacific, in the Society Islands, French Polynesia. The capital is Papeete. It relies on tourism and produces vanilla, fruits, and copra. Settled by Polynesians (14th cent.), it was visited in the 18th century by Capt. James Cook and Lt. William Bligh. It became French in 1843. Gauguin painted his best-known works there.

Suva, capital of Fiji, on Viti Levu.It is considered the most cosmopolitan city in the South Pacific. With a population of 160,000, there are high rise buildings and hotels that overlook the colonial buildings left over from when the British occupied the island.