Shandelle Battersby relaxes at one of Hawaii's most historic hotels, the Halekulani.

Sun, sea, swimming and fishing add up to a perfect gathering for Jim Eagles and his far-flung family.

Mountain fern salad, taro leaves in coconut milk, sea grapes... Jane Jeffries meets three chefs shaking things up.

Elisabeth Easther and her son enjoy the festive cheer on board a freighter ship in the Pacific.

It took eight years but an emotional Steve Deane finally gets a luxury honeymoon in Fiji.

Fresh water or salt, the bathing options in Samoa are heavenly, says Elisabeth Easther.

Aitutaki's eco-snorkelling trail highlights the frailty of lagoon life, writes Jane Jeffries.

An amazing fantasy world beneath the seas of Hawaii's Big Island astounds even veteran diver Pam Leblanc.

Far from work, Winston Aldworth clocks in to experience the charms of Tahiti.

With the All Blacks playing in Samoa this week, the Herald's Pacific Affairs reporter, Vaimoana Tapaleao, selects her top things to do on the islands.

Megan Singleton has a fine time on Castaway Island, where cocktails come with umbrellas.

Party of one Helen van Berkel boards an ocean liner for a Pacific cruise and learns that being on your own is far from lonesome.

Diana Balham comes face to face with a very angry - but very pretty - volcano on the Vanuatu island of Tanna.

The Jurassic-like landscape and quirky flora and fauna of the island of New Caledonia captivates Liz Light.

Aitutaki casts its beautiful and restful spell over Carly Flynn, who discovers a destination better than any brochure could promote.

Listening to the gentle breeze in the palm trees and the lazy waves gently turning, time slows for Liz Light.

We asked Travel readers to send us tips for their favourite South Pacific snorkelling spots. Here are a few of your top recommendations.

To inspire us with ideas for a winter break, Rick Felderhof from Our World shares the five most popular Pacific escapes for Kiwis.

Tropical beaches, fine dining, cooking and dance lessons – Lynley Bilby finds her every whim is catered for on a Pacific island cruise.

Nicky Park stays at a beachside hotel near the New Caledonia capital.

Three unique resorts make Anne Cooke and Steve Haggerty feel right at home.

Elisabeth Easther and her son booked a passage on a freighter to explore the far-flung charms of French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands.

Good food, waterfalls and gorgeous beaches are great reasons to visit Vanuatu, writes Megan Singleton.

The tourist mecca's restaurants are fast becoming a culinary force with their focus on fresh, local ingredients and indigenous dishes, discovers Delaney Mes.

Rachel Grunwell finds serenity, seals and Shiva on Oahu.

The west coast of Hawaii's Big Island is home to magnificent marlin, titanic tuna and merry mantas, writes Paul Davies.

A terrifying mule ride delivers Judy Bailey safely into Kalaupapa, a park with a dark past, now a place of saintly seclusion.

Polynesia's last unspoiled outpost is gearing up for a tourism influx, writes Paul Rush.

James Henderson packs his clubs and hopes to beat his handicap on some of Hawaii's world-class golf courses.

Liz Light checks out the delights of Noumea and finds plenty to catch the eye in the lush capital of French territory New Caledonia.