Smiles, spinnakers and hangovers prevail in the world's friendliest yacht race, writes Ian Lloyd Neubauer.

The home of a tobacco heiress reveals a little of how Hawaii's rich and famous live. Heather McCracken tours Shangri La.

Make the most of Rarotonga's thriving mini-town, which will steal your heart with daily snorkel cruises, cafes, markets, beachside resorts and superb local produce, writes Carly Flynn.

Paul Rush follows a trail of bubbles to Champagne Beach on Vanuatu's largest island.

Joe Kafka and his wife embrace the ease of island hopping by boat.

Flower festival is a chance to sample more than sun and sand in Samoa, writes Robyn Yousef.

Paddleboard yoga brings out the best in Andrew Frampton (at least in his head).

Every visitor to these Fijian islands leaves with the memory of a warm welcome, writes Paul Rush.

Honolulu's Bevy pours drinks like it means business, writes Heather McCracken.

The warm welcome at PNG's Kiriwina Island leaves cruise passenger Paul Rush smiling.

Scott Kara finds Mana Island's sand, sun and snorkelling irresistibly relaxing.

The food on Hawaii's island of Oahu sends Heather McCracken into raptures.

Winston Aldworth spends a few days enjoying beautiful Aitutaki - and wondering why Captain Bligh ever left...

Away from the famous surf breaks and beaches, Heather McCracken discovers Hawaii's vibrant shopping, art, culture, and food scene.

Words can't do justice to majestic Niue, discovers Alexia Santamaria

Penny Lewis and family escape to an island paradise and revel in all it has to offer.

After a serve of super-fresh fish, some boutique ale, a snorkel and a scoot around, Ben Chapman-Smith reckons Raro's not so sleepy after all.

Peace reigns after inter-tribal war, writes Paul Rush.

Andrew Louis brings his island prize of whole cooked crab back through Customs.

The memorial to lives lost in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor is a moving and dramatic place to visit, writes Heather McCracken.

Now that Cyclone Lusi has gone, the people of Vanuatu are more keen than ever to welcome tourists. Marty Silk finds a cheerful country.

Atiu upgrades its tourist appeal with a revival of the island's historic sites, writes Jim Eagles.

Tadrai, Fiji's newest five-star resort, takes personalised service to a new level. Jane Jeffries reports.

Helen van Berkel is reminded why Fiji remains a family favourite.

Niue's scariest inhabitants are also utterly non-threatening, writes Andrew Louis.

Amelia Wade finds Samoan magic starts at her fale's door.

Andrew Louis works up a sweat amid rugged scenery.

Prue Scott watches the fiery sunset from the peak of Honolulu's White Mountain.

Holiday-makers are being warned to make sure they have travel insurance before jet-setting to the Pacific after one insurance company says it paid out over $340,000 in medical evacuations alone.

Waikiki Beach is one of the best places to learn to surf, writes Michael Burgess.