Paul Rush samples the simple pleasures of Robert Louis Stevenson's Samoa.

As the explorer noted, the islands of Tonga are truly the 'Friendly Isles'. Jane Jeffries is captivated on her visit.

To the people of Beqa Island sharks are friends. Nicholas Jones tested that trust.

Paul Davies stays at a full-service lifestyle hotel close to Waikiki Beach.

Go local when it comes to food, Nicholas Jones discovers at a cooking school in Fiji.

Paul Rush discovers the enigmatic beauty and brilliance of black pearls in the waters of Fiji.pacific

Whale watching in Tonga goes extreme when Jane Jeffries hops in with the cetaceans.

Paul Rush meets creatures both noble and dangerous in waters of astonishing clarity.

Kim Palsenbarg revisits a past hobby and is entranced to find the world beneath the waves as welcoming as ever.

Hanging up the backpack has converted Stuart Condie to the feared 'package' holiday and he couldn't be happier.

Laura Hutchins is blown away by the hospitality at a three-star Cook Island resort.

Andrew Stone has the low down on making the most of the island's high times.

In an azure and cobalt bay, gentle sea creatures welcome Phil Welch to the 'closest island to paradise'.

You won't forget a traditional Solomon Islands welcome, writes Richard Moore.

A second honeymoon can be better than the first, writes Penny Lewis.

Tonga is a kingdom blessed with many warm-hearted people, finds Paul Rush.

In the far-flung Yasawas, Sue Baxalle finds adults and kids toiling hard to revitalise their cyclone-ravaged village.

The lure of game fishing is pretty strong at Fiji's Mango Bay, discovers Nicholas Jones.

Fun, fitness, sightseeing - the Swim Series is a great winter getaway with something for everyone from 7 to 70, writes Zoe Hawkins.

A Fijiian island is reversing the often destructive impact of tourism, finds Peter Feeney.

Man's best friend is never far from Tessa Chrisp's side, offering companionship on a Rarotongan holiday.

Hawaii celebrates its design heritage in a show that offers a welcome break from the beach, writes Janetta Mackay.

Belinda Henley explores beyond Noumea and discovers a land of red earth and dramatic scenery.

The Solomons' underwater denizens introduce themselves to Richard Moore.

When in Tahiti do as the locals do, writes Suzanne McFadden.

New Zealand's own mother of the nation, Judy Bailey, visits internet mogul Larry Ellison's Hawaiian island - and is impressed by his preservation project.

On a cruise around Fiji's islands Sue Baxalle surrenders to a restorative pleasure of the flesh and befriends colourful characters.

If flying and flopping is too boring for you, there are a few options to amuse the energetic - or hungry - on Fiji's Denarau Island.

In Samoa, Anika Moa heals her heartbreak and replaces lost lovers with newfound friends.