Beyond the beaches – discover the rich tapestry of Pacific Island cultures
For travellers seeking more than just sun and sand, the Pacific Islands offer a diverse array of cultural experiences. The region spans from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New Zealand in the south, with Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, the Cook Islands and the Solomon Islands at its heart, and is a living mosaic of unique traditions, ancient customs and enduring community values.
While a shared Polynesian heritage threads through many of these islands, expressed through music, dance, food and deep respect for the ocean, each island nation has preserved and interpreted these traditions in its own unique way. Visitors quickly discover that no two islands are alike, and the richness of the cultural experiences leaves a lasting impression.
Islands of Tahiti
In the Islands of Tahiti, culture comes to life through intricate weaving, woodcarving and tatau, the ancient art of tattooing that tells personal stories and connects generations. Rhythmic drumming on pahu drums is a highlight of traditional performances. As the largest island in French Polynesia, the cuisine in Tahiti is a fusion of French and Polynesian flavours using locally sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood, tropical fruits and organic vegetables. Tahiti's signature dish is poisson cru, raw tuna prepared with lime juice and coconut milk, a refreshing taste of the island itself. For a truly local experience, visitors can explore Le Marché in Papeete, a bustling public marketplace filled with fresh produce, crafts, and the warm spirit of Tahitian hospitality.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are a cosmopolitan blend of western influence and ancient Polynesian heritage, with warm and friendly locals who love to share their little piece of paradise with visitors. One of the traditional dances of the Cook Islands is the ura, a sacred ritual usually performed by a female who moves her body to tell a story, accompanied by intense drumming by at least five drummers. The most unique ura is the "call of the drum", an expression of the islands' cultural heritage through rhythmic drumming and dance. Craftsmanship thrives here too, with weaving techniques using pandanus and coconut fibre creating one-of-a-kind baskets and fans. The Cook Islands' cuisine is a delicious celebration of local ingredients – from taro and cassava to fresh seafood – best enjoyed at a communal feast.
Samoa
Be prepared to embrace the Samoan way – or Fa'a Samoa – when you visit Samoa, a way of life that dates back 3000 years and is reflected throughout the island's culture and customs. Fa'a Samoa is all about being part of a community that cares. Here you'll be welcomed with open arms and the opportunity to experience authentic Samoan food, dance, music and more. The traditional Umu, a method of cooking in an above-ground earth oven, produces meals that are hearty and full of flavour. Dance is integral to Samoan culture, ranging from the elegant siva to the energetic fa'ataupati and the dramatic siva afi, a fire knife dance that ignites the night. While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Samoan words can go a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for the culture.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. In addition to the indigenous Ni-Vanuatu people, small communities of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese, Chinese and other Pacific Islanders make up the country's population. Art and storytelling are key expressions of Ni-Vanuatu culture, seen in body decoration, masks and dance. A visit to a kava bar provides insight into one of the region's oldest social traditions, where the ritual drinking of kava roots promotes communal bonding and spiritual connection. In Vanuatu, tradition and ceremony are deeply embedded in daily life, offering visitors a chance to witness and partake in customs that have endured for centuries.
Fiji
Fiji's cultural identity is a harmonious blend of Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei), Indo-Fijian, Chinese and European influences. The result is a dynamic cultural landscape expressed through cuisine, crafts and ceremony. Experience the flavours of a traditional lovo (like the Samoan Umu), where meats and root vegetables are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in a pit filled with hot coals, alongside Indian curries and Chinese stir-fries. From welcoming meke dances to village ceremonies, and markets overflowing with local produce and handmade wares, Fiji gives new meaning to heartfelt hospitality.
Tonga
In the Kingdom of Tonga, cultural values are lived and celebrated every day. Family is the cornerstone of society, and core principles like respect, humility and loyalty guide daily life. Many traditional practices are still an integral part of village life, making Tonga one of the most authentic traveller destinations in the South Pacific. Visitors can experience traditional Tongan dance – elegant and poetic expressions of sung storytelling – at community events and ceremonies. Tapa cloths and woven mats, crafted for significant life events, are treasured symbols of Tongan identity. Feasting is central to social gatherings, with dishes like ota 'ika (marinated raw fish) and lu pulu (corned beef with coconut milk) offering a taste of island life.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands offer a unique cultural experience shaped mostly by Melanesian heritage, with elements of Polynesian and Micronesian influences, and the wantok system, a social framework based on language, kinship and mutual support. With over 60 distinct languages and vibrant local customs, the culture here is as diverse as the islands themselves. To bridge the gap between these cultures and languages, Pijin became the most common language in the isles. In the capital, Honiara, modern life meets tradition, but rural villages remain rooted in age-old practices of fishing, farming and communal living. A visit to the Central Market in Honiara offers a sensory journey through the islands' cuisine and handicrafts, with everything from fresh fish and tropical produce to handmade jewellery and wood carvings.
Though the Pacific Islands share a love for the ocean and a commitment to cultural preservation, each destination offers its own unique interpretation of traditional island life. Whether you're joining a fire dance in Samoa, browsing the markets in Tahiti, sipping kava in Vanuatu, or watching a Tongan lakalaka dance, one thing is certain – your journey through the Pacific Islands will be a rich, unforgettable celebration of human creativity, resilience and connection.
Spacifica Travel can create a tailored package to the Pacific Islands including airfares, accommodation, food and drink and a selection of tours. spacificatravel.com
