Gayle Dickson stays in a luxurious overwater fale.

Language is no barrier where enjoyment is a universal concept, writes Julia Carlisle.

You can choose relaxation or adventure — or maybe a mixture of both — on board a boutique cruise ship journeying through Fiji's Yasawa Islands, writes Sue Baxalle.

Whether you're on a tight budget or splashing out, the islands have it all.

Take in the Marquesas Islands and explore French Polynesia from on board the Aranui III, writes Suzanne Morphet.

On her first trip to Fiji, Pebbles Hooper relaxes, learns to snorkel and savours friendly welcomes from charming people.

A retired Swiss accountant found Aitutaki grew on him, writes Winston Aldworth.

Immerse yourself in French culture for a slice of the price, says Megan Singleton.

French food and wine are the tops in Noumea, finds Sarah Lawrence.

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.

Circling the colourful island of Tahiti, Paul Rush sees an impressionist painter's view everywhere.

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

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.

Mana Party Leader Hone Harawira is facing a new challenge in his Te Tai Tokerau seat at this year's election, from his party's former Te Tai Tonga candidate Clinton Dearlove.

Paul Rush tours Efate Island and meets the smiling face of the Pacific.

In Samoa this week, Prime Minister John Key indulged in a bit of harmless flattery of his counterpart, Prime Minister Tuilaepa.

If John Key expected to be asked the soft questions when he bowled up for Question Time with school children in Niue yesterday, he was sorely disappointed.

Pamela Wade reckons Tahiti's waterfront 'roulottes' are the wheel deal for fine French fare and good times.

The US nuclear test at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands on March 1, 1954, was 1000 times larger than the bombs that obliterated Hiroshima and Nagasaki.