Explore Polynesia the most far-flung, easterly region of Oceania. Ethnically and linguistically, it’s far flung peoples migrated further distances in shorter times from their ancestral home in Taiwan than any other ethnic migration before the world-wide colonization of the Europeans 500 years later.

Polynesia comprises the following island nations:

• American Samoa
• Cook Islands. An archipelago of fifteen islands spread out over 2.2 million square kilometers of the Pacific
• The eastern two thirds of this sprawling island nation fall within the scope of Polynesia. Remote and poor, the sun rises first here every day.
• French Polynesia. Includes three islands with a strong claim to being the most beautiful island in the world, Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea; also Mururoa where the French carried out nuclear tests until 1996.
• Two main volcanic islands with luxuriant vegetation, traditional culture and wonderful open-sided houses.
• The so-called “Friendly islands” and a Kingdom. But traditional and modern cultures are now clashing.
• One of the smallest countries in the world in terms of population.

It also includes smaller overseas territories of larger nations, including:

• Baker and Howland Islands (USA)
• Easter Island (Chile)
• An isolated island with its amazing stone carvings.
• Hawaii (USA)
• Jarvis Island (USA)
• Johnston Atoll (USA)
• Midway Islands (USA)
• Palmyra Atoll and Kingman Reef (USA)
• Pitcairn Islands (UK). With descendants of the Bounty mutineers.
• Tokelau (New Zealand)
• Wallis and Futuna (France)

Cities

• Apia — principal city of Samoa
• Papeete — largest city of French Polynesia.
• Aitutaki — the classic picture postcard of a palm tree fringed tropical island with turquoise waters, in the Cook Islands.
• Bora Bora — the most beautiful lagoon of French Polynesia, but incredibly pricey.
• Moorea — budget alternative to Bora Bora with beautiful scenery.
• Vava’u — group of more than 50 islands in Tonga, a common destination for yachters.