South Pacific island with the least conservative dress code for women?

Hi all,
I am very much wanting to travel to the south pacific, mostly for their glorious beaches and snorkeling. I want to be sensitive to the local customs and expectations for dress, yet I'm not a happy camper if I'm super hot, so being in hot weather with long sleeves and pants on sounds like a horrible vacation for me.

What do those of you most familiar with the area suggest for an island that might be the least offended by my bare arms and legs? I'm aware that if I stay on a resort it's not an issue, but I'd like to have a little time out and about the rest of the island without making myself or anyone else uncomfortable.
Thanks so much!
Kimberly

was a resident of the Pacific - Samoa, Tonga and Fiji for three years (work related) and never encountered "long sleeves pants" requirements. shorts and tank tops sleepers acceptable. For as long as you have a handy lava lava (sarong) just in case you want to check churches. Only thing is you can not walk around town in just your 2 piece bikini.

very likely french polynesia and new caledonia given the french influence and women sun bathing topless. the above info is good however. tonga and samoa probably the most conservative cultures

Sounds reasonable! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences.

Thanks Georgecom. It's been interesting the differing accounts on the islands. Some say Samoa and Tonga are quite relaxed, others say conservative. I've not looked into New Caledonia yet. Thanks for the suggestion!

Depends on the destination. In Solomon Islands bare thighs are frowned upon. Girls can and do wear shorts (fairly longish ones) in town, but never, ever in a village. A skirt is more comfortable and cooler than pants, but not mini skirts (in some cultures). Fiji is fairly relaxed, female visitors can get away with wearing pants in villages but not local women. Just nothing too skimpy.

In ancient days the women went around bare breasted but were expected to cover their thighs. The thing about covering thighs is still carried on to today. So you will see many women in tank tops but they will be wearing something that covers the thigh areas. It used to be in Samoa that even wearing pants to the knees was not accepted in the villages but I think that is more relaxed now. However....the most important thing is to always carry a lava lava/beach wrap with you at all times so you can wrap it over you shorts as you walk through villages and sit modestly when sitting crossed leg on floors in houses etc.

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