Two weeks in the South Pacific... where should we go?!

Hi there!

My friend and I (both flight attendants, 23 years old from Switzerland) have a bit of vacation time left in the beginning of June, probably two weeks max to be exact, and we would love to just get as far away as possible on an adventure and start exploring the South Pacific. I have been to and adore Hawai'i, Maui and Oahu (last trip in September) and I was in Vanuatu when I was younger but don't remember too much.. what we are looking for is an off the beaten path kind of place, nature, peace and quite, somewhere we can hike/explore/adventure, surf (we are still beginners but really into it), scuba dive (would love to get our PADI on this trip if at all possible/affordable!)/snorkel and maybe hang on the beach once or twice ;) we love history too & seeing new, very different places and cultures but preferably without any or too many tourists.. and none of that spa resort stuff either! beside, we couldn't afford it even if we wanted to. we would like to see marvelous natural wonders and experience moments that take our breath away and stay with us forever... we want to reconnect with nature, as clichée as that sounds!!. Now I know two weeks is NOT a lot of time and trust me I wish we had two months or two years! the area is huge and I think there is so much to see.. so we would like to know which Island(s) you would recommend for our first visit...? We don't want or need to ease into it, though and we are prepared to travel far as you might have realized since we'll be traveling all the way from Switzerland (via Singapore) . We are open for any suggestions in Melanesia/Micronesia/Polynesia.. hit us with your advice and knowledge!! :)

we would greatly appreciate it! thank you!

Vanuatu has just been hit by a massive cyclone and much of their infrastructure is destroyed, so cross that off your list, unless you want to help with the rebuilding process.

I haven't been there, but Tahiti sounds like it might be a good option for you.

Not sure how you would get there or where you could find to stay, but northern Lau, Fiji.
probably get there from Taveuni, which would be a pretty good second choice.

Cheers,
Peter

After reading this I don't want to deter anyone from going to Vanuatu if they want to, perhaps not for the next few weeks though.

I would also suggest Tahiti - maybe splitting your time between a couple of islands. The main island of Tahiti has surfing and diving while laid back Huahine would give you the opportunity to hike, explore, snorkel, check out the old ruins without many tourists around. We stayed at a place called Rande's Shack on Huahine, where we were warmly welcomed and felt like family. Bora Bora and Moorea are also great islands to explore but will have more tourists to contend with.

I ve been to a lot of SP countries and the Marquesas are the best and most beautiful and most off the beaten track

thanks to everyone for the replies!

sounds wonderful but is it doable in less than 2 weeks? and can you dive and surf there or is it totally secluded and non-touristy? what would be your Second choice in the SP? :) sounds like you are an Island lover like me.. any other islands in the World you recommend for a 2 week escape?! (traveling from Switzerland so like I mentioned before actual time spent at destination might be 10 days.. although we are trying to get extra unpaid leave days :D) thank you so much for your help!

Marquesas are absolutely remote. You would probably be the only one.

And if you really want to have the whole paradise for yourself, go to mangareva. You have the blue waters with white sandy beaches with absolutely nobody. No-bo-dy!!!!

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