Polynesia

Eco-friendly travel guide to Polynesia advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Polynesia, Oceania.

Hatiheu Bay, Nuku Hiva

Air quality: 2.5 - 3.0 / 5

Bus connections: 3.0 - 3.5 / 5

Train connections: 1.5 - 2.0 / 5

Hitchhiking: 2.5 - 3.0 / 5

National parks: 3.0 - 3.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 2.5 - 3.0 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.0 - 3.5 / 5

Safety: 2.5 - 3.0 / 5

Accommodation: US$100 - $250

Budget per day: US$150 - $350

Responsible Travel

Situated in the Pacific Ocean, Polynesia comprises 1,000 islands that make a triangular shape, with New Zealand in the south, Easter Islands in the west, and Hawaii in the north. This region falls under the area of Oceania and is distributed over the southern and central Pacific Ocean. The people of Polynesia are called the Polynesians. Culturally, there are three significant zones under Polynesia. They are Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia.

The largest country in Polynesia is New Zealand, which is quite the destination for all tourists to flock to when they want a break from the world's major tourist destinations. Polynesia was initially a term that was used to talk about all the islands in the Pacific Ocean. The term Polynesia was coined by Charles de Brosses, the famous French writer, in 1756. However, this term became specific to the 1000 islands in the Pacific, which are also known as the South Sea Islands.

The islands of Polynesia are far removed from the more giant continents of the world. As they are situated in the middle of the ocean, they enjoy the benefits of the island life away from the soot and dust of the world's major cities. Given that the islands enjoy new island life, travellers who make their way to Polynesia must respect the islands' energy. The tourism sector of Polynesia promotes responsible travel all the more as the ecosystem in the islands is a lot more sensitive than any other major country of the world.

When travelling, tourists should keep a few things in mind instead of abusing the opportunities and the natural beauty of Polynesia. Read the following points given below to understand how one can contribute to the healthy ecosystem of Polynesia.

One of the best ways to explore Polynesia sustainably is by taking a boat to travel from one island to another. Boats are the most prevalent form of transport in the Polynesian Islands. Apart from that, there are planes and private jets, but sir transport is not a sustainable way of travelling. Thus, the best way tourists can make their way from one island to another is by travelling by boats and jet skis. They make the experience at an island all the more authentic and give you a glimpse of what it is like to live in the Polynesian islands.

Walking is an excellent option if you wish to move around inside the islands. The islands in themselves are relatively small in terms of area and population. People can quickly go on short trails and treks over the sparsely populated cities of Polynesia and take a look at the life in the islands near. Alternatively, the islands at Polynesia also conduct walking tours for tourists so that they can understand the culture even better. The islands of Polynesia are all about forgotten stories and hidden gems. Walk around the towns to discover places that are entirely off the map and make stories worth telling your friends and family.

Cycling is a great way to move around within the islands. The public transport system is not very prevalent in the islands of Polynesia. There are a more significant number of boats compared to the vehicles on land. As a tourist, you can either borrow a cycle from friends on the island or hire them from the town's motor agencies. The motor services charge a very nominal rate so as to encourage sustainable modes of transport.

Trucks and buses can be spotted in the islands of Polynesia. These are not the conventional buses that we are talking about. You can look for the le trucks in Polynesia, which are nothing but colourful trucks with seats in the back for the passengers. One will find a le truck or two in the present day, but most of them have been replaced by the swankier air-con buses that cater to the tourism department. The buses have designated bus stops while the le trucks stop anywhere and everywhere to pick up and drop customers.

The trucks and buses are a great way to move around as they encourage pooling in the same car, thereby reducing the islands' carbon footprint.

No matter the mode of travel, one should opt for a way in which there are the least emissions in the cities. It is the tourists' responsibility to take care of the region they are residing in so that there is no additional pollution due to the islands' tourism department

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Air Quality and Pollution

Being in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Polynesian islands do not have to face the brunt of pollution as it is secluded from the large industrial sectors of the world's powerful countries. However, it is not forgotten that flora and fauna of this particular zone balance on a thin line as this region's ecological balance is quite fragile. The high islands that fall under Polynesia have not been very quick to combat the impacts of global warming. Thus, the smallest change to the environment brings in large effects.

Several green buildings have been coming up in these islands to make sure that the ecosystem is preserved. Sadly, they are only named “green buildings” with little to no care of the islands' environment. These establishments, which cater to the tourists, are the prime producer of polluting agents. The effects of global warming have led to rising sea levels. Even though this has not affected the total island area too much, the rising ocean temperatures have been causing havoc to the islands' coral reefs.

One of the significant types of pollution in the Polynesian islands is water pollution. The Pacific has been treated like the garbage dump of the world. Thus, when one is vacationing at the Polynesian islands, do not be surprised to find a floating bottle or two in the middle of the ocean. The water pollution is slowly killing all the sea urchins, cone shells, stonefish, and corals.

Respect the Culture

The Polynesian culture exists due to the rich cultural heritage of the islands' indigenous people. The Polynesian tribes share a few ordinary things, including their tongue, customs and rituals, and spirit. Some islands can be grouped to understand the group's culture as they are far more similar than the other island groups. An example is a common culture shared by French Polynesia and Tahiti. Similarly, Aotearoa, Hawaii, Fiji, and Tonga have their own distinct cultures and heritage.

Polynesia's cultural importance depends on a few factors, including the geography, location, population, history, livelihood, and languages that the indigenous people speak. Even though the Western countries have heavily influenced the Polynesian culture, the Polynesian culture has been left untouched in parts strongly influenced by the Polynesian indigenous people. Christianity is the main religion of this place, and tourists will find large, well-built churches in the Polynesian islands.

Some of the islands have had a proper government, while some have been under monarchies' control. The islands like Hawaii, Tonga, and Tahiti have seen a parliament system like that of the English people, where absolute respect and power are given to the nobles. The Latin American power currently controls Rapa Nui.

There are a large number of festivals in this cluster of islands. One of the mention-worthy festivals is the Festival of Pacific Arts. This festival celebrates music, art, dance, and the region as well. This festival takes place once every four years where one of the islands takes the responsibility to conduct the festivities.

The Polynesian islands earn mainly from the tourism department. Most of the islands and the towns within them have shown a sharp change with much late urbanization. You can find a lot of Polynesians on bigger islands in the Pacific, such as New Zealand. Many residents from Hawaii have also moved to the United States for better opportunities and luck.

Top 10 Places to Visit

The Polynesian islands are all about the beaches, crystal clear water of the Pacific, and the cool sea breeze. Travel in these islands revolves around hopping from one island to another, away from all the city life's hustle and bustle. Thus, let us look at the top 10 islands that deserve mention so that our travellers know which island to focus on when they are off to Polynesia.

Bora Bora: Over the years, Bora Bora has ended up being quite the destination for most celebrities and travellers around the world. This island is one of French Polynesia's significant islands – the part of Polynesia which belongs to France. This place has one of the most expansive holiday homes or resorts to accommodate guests and give them a piece of their calm, serene and beautiful environment. There is no scope of overcrowding. Some of the best ways to explore Bora Bora is by glass-bottom boats. These boats help one look at the water underneath them and observe the fascinating aquatic life. If they want to look at it from a closer point of view, scuba diving is the best way to explore. The Bora Bora islands are a popular destination for this very purpose. The scuba diving sessions are unreal. Tourists can look at the sharks, barracudas, stingrays, and seahorses from as close as possible. Tourists can also avail of the islands' cruise services to breeze through the vicinity's remaining islands. Apart from this, some tours are conducted for people interested in this place's culture, heritage, and food.

Tahiti: Tahiti is a proper establishment in Polynesia given that it is the largest island in the group of 1000 islands. The human settlement and the green cover in this area exist hand-in-hand. The natural beauty of this place is nothing short of breath-taking. Mount Aorai, which is all of the height of 2066m, stands tall in this region. You can sign up with the authorities and take permission in order to scale the mountain. Most of the major attractions in all of Polynesia falls under this island. Starting from Tahiti's museum, the Venus Point, and the Paul Gauguin Museum, Tahiti offers to its tourists what other islands fail to – a break from the shores and beaches and a glimpse of the Polynesian city life. Tourists can go on sightseeing tours in Tahiti by contacting the right people or themselves if they have an itinerary planned.

Moorea: Moorea is a part of French Polynesia entirely made up of igneous rocks. The green cover of this island is the main attraction. You will find deep forests and human settlements in between them coexisting in a friendly manner. The average temperature on this island is relatively high – 30 degrees Celsius. This adds to the tropical climate of the island, lending it a sultry yet summery feel. Moorea has been often called the most beautiful island in all of Polynesia, and the island owes it to the stunning landscape and the green cover for it. Tourists can go on treks and hikes along the mountains. There are waterfalls in the islands of Moorea as well. If you are quenched for water or wishing to take a quick bath underneath the freshwater falls, this may be the best place to do so to make a whole experience out of it. In February, a triathlon competition was held on this island wherein people from other islands come to participate. One can walk down the beaches to unwind. Most of the beaches in Moorea are private beaches. However, the local hotels share the public beaches, which are equally pretty too.

Caroline Island: If you are at Polynesia looking for corals, this should be your ultimate stop. The Caroline Islands is a part of French Polynesia and forms one of the same southernmost islands. This island falls south of the Line in French Polynesia. There is a lagoon right in the middle of the atoll that is shallow. The depth ranges from 5 to 7 meters at the most. The coral reef in the Caroline Islands is expected to be at a distance of 500 meters to a kilometre from the coast. As far as the lagoon is considered, there are no bays, straits, or harbours in these islands, making it quite sensitive to water transport. Landing on this island can only be performed when the tide is high as the coral reefs undergo damage otherwise. During the high tide, the water creeps into the lagoon through the canals that lead to them. All the landings on Caroline Island happen only through the area where there is a gap in the coral reef. One of the best points for doing so is the north-west coast of South Motu. This island is quite prone to the dangers of climate change. Presently, the government has expected the island to be entirely flooded by the year 2025. The Caroline Islands shot to fame due to the 1995 International Date Line, which depicted the Caroline Islands as the easternmost part.

Eiao: Eiao is quite the break from the greenery that one would expect in the Polynesian islands. This island had been used in the pre-European times to bury the Te-Yi leaders. Eiao is not an island in itself but is a part of the Marquesas Islands. The ancient Polynesians used this space as a ground for them to build stone structures. Due to their historical importance, the Eiao and the places next to it have been declared a reserve of its own. This happened in 1992 when the officials realized that the area requires preservation due to its historical importance.

Niue: Niue is an island off the coast of New Zealand, which is known to be one of the world's smallest self-governing bodies. Niue is the word for the phrase “behold the coconut.” The Niue islands are also home to one of the most expansive coral atolls in the world. Next to Caroline Island, people can visit Niue for the shady shores, fascinating coral reefs, and rock-laden beaches. The capital of Niue is the Alofi, which is also the centre for all the diplomatic affairs. Even though Niue is experiencing rapid Westernisation, it manages to capture some of the Polynesian rituals and customs in their culture. One of the biggest festivals on this island is Peniamina Day, also known as Gospel Day. This festival is held in October and celebrates Polynesian cultures and native tongues. Go snorkelling with the humpback whales on this island from July to September.

Easter Island, Chile: Easter Island is one place in Polynesia known far and wide in this world. The Easter Islands have been the place of mystery and fascination for a long while. This is why it attracts people from other countries to this island, if not any other, on all islands' cluster. Home to one of the most historical monuments on the Earth, the Easter Islands belong to Chile and has been a bastion of the true Polynesian spirit and culture. The Easter Islands is home to one of the most popular national parks in the world as well. We will be discussing all of it in the following segments. The Easter Islands is famous for its Moai statues, not one or a hundred but thousands on this island. The figures have garnered attention from all over the world, especially for their historical significance. The Moai statues became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, leading to more tourists. Check out the figures along with the other stone walls, houses, and petroglyphs. This is indeed an excellent place to explore when you are looking to be captivated by the unknown of this world.

Upolu, Samoa: The Samoa Islands is another name that has a special place in the Polynesian Islands. Samoa Islands do not fall under the governance of any of the other countries of the world. They are independent and home to one of the natural wonders of the world. Upolu hosts one of Polynesia's best hospitality services and some of the sights you will not find in any other Polynesian Islands. Upolu is home to the smallest species of spiders. Furthermore, Robert Louis Stevenson was buried in Upolu. If you are looking for places to swim amidst Polynesia's natural reservoir, jump into the To-Sua Ocean, which is one of the best places in the world to go for a swim. To-Sua is an asymmetrical circular hole in the ground situated right in the middle of a lava field. This place juts out of the coastline. The bottom of the To-Sua is emerald green and sea blue in shades and resembles a fancy crystal due to the clear waters.

Kauai, Hawaii: Polynesia is nothing without the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii has been and always will be one of the most popular destinations in the world. Hawaii Island has been relatively untouched by Western influence. The Kauai Island strikes a chord with the adventurers who look for opportunities to travel, hike, trek, and explore. Expect rainfall at any time of the day, and thus, umbrellas are a must when you are travelling to this place. The beaches and the cliffs in Kauai Island exist side by side and add to this place's beauty. Home to the Na Pali National Park, the Kauai Island has picturesque views that seem to be taken out of Disney movies.

New Zealand: Even though this country is a place of its own with industrialized cities and well-built airports, New Zealand forms a part of the Polynesian islands and make the 1,000 islands complete with its competitive edge. New Zealand is situated right next to Australia, making travel between the two extremely easy pieces of land. Over the ages, the native language of New Zealand has turned out to be English. However, people will find Maori people living in this country – in indigenous settlements or well-established ones. New Zealand is home to the hot springs and lakes that dot the landscape. The Emerald Lakes is one of the major tourist attractions in New Zealand. Through the famous Waitomo Caves, Wade looks at the millions of glow worms that caves their home. The caves' interiors look like they have been lit up as the Northern Pole of the Earth during Aurora lights in the sky. Lake Tekapo is also an excellent place to take a day off and visit. Some lupins bloom on the sides of the Lakes and make the sight all the prettier.

Aerial view of Bora Bora

Explore

Even though the Polynesian islands are all about coasts and beaches, people will find a ton of places to explore in the well-established settlements of the cluster of islands. Islands like Hawaii, New Zealand, and Tahiti offer a large number of options when it comes to more mainstream opportunities for tourism. Go for a shopping spree or guided tours in the cities. Furthermore, you can also take a safari ride in the national parks to visit the animals and birds native to these places. Unwind at a city park at the end of the day.

City Parks

The city parks in Polynesia are situated mostly in the bigger islands such as New Zealand, Hawaii, and Tahiti. Let us take a look at gardens that offer places for a stroll or fun games.

Ala Moana Beach Park: This public beach park is situated on Oahu's island. A 100-acre park consists of significant grassy areas play areas for ball games, picnic tables, and music pavilions. The beach is an open area for swimming. However, the ocean bottom has rocks under the surface, and the bottom drops quickly.

Bougainville Park: The Bougainville Park in French Polynesia, Papeete is the ideal place to go for a long stroll amidst trees and Bougainville in its blooming season.

Paofai Gardens: Enjoy a long walk in the Paofai Gardens, Tahiti. Find cruise ships, meals and drinks, and an excellent harbourside in the park.

Ala Moana Beach Park

National Parks

There are only a handful of national parks in the Polynesian Islands. However, the few that are mention-worthy are known all around the world. Let us read more about them.

Rapa Nui National Park: Rapa Nui is the Easter Islands' original name, home to the Rapa Nui National Park. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it boasts a volcanic landscape, freshwater lakes, reptiles, rodents, and South American birds. The Rapa Nui National Park is a conservation center.

Rakiura National Park: New Zealand’s Rakuira National Park lies in the lesser-known third island, which is also known as Stewart Island. This national park welcomes visitors with kiwis, grey warblers, and Stewart Island robins. Tourists can go on hikes and also take a ferry to the island town of Bluff.

The majestic Rapa Nui National Park

Beaches

The Polynesian Islands is all about beaches and shores with beautiful sunsets. We have already spoken about beaches in this article. However, we will name a few to talk about the best on the list.

Matira Beach, Bora Bora: Bora Bora is a paradise of its own, and in case you were looking for a quaint place on the same island, then Matira Beach is the place for you. The white sandy stretch and the green trees in the background make for an extremely relaxing area to chill. The beach is the perfect place to go snorkeling.

Tikehau: This beach is in French Polynesia and is where you would find beaches of pink sand and white sand. This island is also proud to have an atoll. The fish population is booming in this region. The Tikehau is a great place to go snorkeling and diving in the ocean.

Motu Tapu: In the South Pacific, this isle is one of the most photographed places in the Polynesian Islands. The Queen of Polynesia, Queen Pomare IV, used to hold her private functions in this island for its pristine waters and white sand.

Matira Beach in Bora Bora

Landmarks

Traveling in Polynesia requires a break from the waters and sand. Thus, the few landmarks in this cluster make it seem all the more alluring from the tourist point of view.

Caves: There are many caves in the islands of Polynesia. Some of which deserve mention in this list are Roiho Cave System, Bulmer Cavern, Talava Arches and Caves, and Nanumanga Fire Caves.

Geothermal fields: The geothermal areas in these islands are rich in minerals and are colorful due to their rocky bottoms. The Halemaumau Crater with the lava lake in Kilauea is in an area with one of the world's active volcanoes. New Zealand has quite a few geothermal areas with hot springs as well. This includes the Frying Pan Lake, the Inferno Crater, and the Wai-O-Tapu.

Museums

Check out the few museums when you are in Polynesia.

Robert Wan Pearl Museum: This is the only museum in the world that has been dedicated to pearls and their history. This museum is located in French Polynesia, Tahiti.

Paul Gauguin Museum: Located in Tahiti, this museum is dedicated to the life and works of Paul Gauguin. The architecture is Japanese in style.

Naval Museum: The Naval Museum in Bora Bora is one place that is entirely dedicated to the naval industry, marines, and ships.

Eat

Polynesian cuisine is a world of its own. Even though most of their diet is seafood-based, their cuisine draws influence from French and Chinese cultures. The Polynesian dishes use few spices, yet they are rich in tamarind, coconut, lime, ginger, vinegar, and vanilla.

Panipopo: This is a white bun with a coconut gravy on top. The dish is not sweet in itself but sweetened in nature.

Sausage and gravy: Sausages are cooked in a nice mealy sauce that goes deliciously well with rice. The sausage-gravy match is quite similar to the bangers and mash.

Koelepalau: This is a coconut pudding that is sweet in nature and purple in color. The texture is somewhat between mashed potatoes and peanut butter.

Fijian Curry: The Fijian curry is a type of curry that has traveled from India to the Polynesian Islands. This curry is cooked with chicken and turmeric, carrots, potatoes, and cumin.

Po’e: This is a pudding-like dish made out of bananas and then baked to cover it with a dense coconut cream layer.

Drink

Like the famous Tahiti Drink, there are quite a few other drinks to try when you are in Polynesia. Check the following beverages out to get tipsy on your next trip to the Pacific islands.

Fruit flavored rum: This is the Tahiti drink in its natural habitat. The glass is made out of rum, orange juice, passion fruit, sugar, vanilla, and pineapple.

Hinano Lager: This is the beer that belongs to Tahiti. It derives its name from the white flower in the Pacific. The Hinano beer has a slightly bitter taste and is sold throughout the islands in cans and bottles.

Tap-water

The tap water at Polynesia is potable as the water treatment plants are useful. Besides, in the interiors of Polynesia, there is barely any way to access tap water. One can drink straight off the waterfalls and pools, but it is best not to consume saltwater from the seas.

Activities

At Polynesia, most of the activities you get to do are water-based sports and mountain-specific activities. Tourists can try the following:

Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Jet Skiing
Jungle Safari
Guided tours
Hikes and treks
Cruise ship rides

Otherwise, tourists can go on to explore every island individually. This way, they have to prepare an itinerary to make sure that they include landmarks as well as activities evenly on that list. Snorkeling is a great idea when you are in Polynesia. This allows the travelers to look at the marine life from a closer perspective.

Similarly, scuba diving ensures that the coral reefs that are on the verge of dying out due to pollution and global warming can be explored to understand life's beauty under the oceans.

Enjoy Kayaking on your trip to Polynesia

Accommodation

Since the most significant industry in Polynesia is the tourism industry, there is no dearth of accommodation. Tourists can either book a lodge, hotel, or a resort. Alternatively, they can also couchsurf if they know people on the islands. Some of the hotels, which includes pools, WiFi, parking space, beach views, and breakfast, includes:

Rainforest Retreat
Hotel Maitai
St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
InterContinental Wellington
Hilton Port Moresby
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

All the hotels in Polynesia will offer services that help tourists find out more about their island. They also offer travel services so that one can travel without any worries. Most of these hotels have private beaches where you can spend time with your family and friends if you are unwilling to look beyond the relaxed vacation idea.

Green Hotels

Most of the hotels in the Polynesian islands are green hotels. Green hotels are establishments that take care of the environment and practice sustainable measures to disturb the island ecosystem. A few names of the green hotels are:

Manava Beach Resort and Spa
Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts

Usually, every resort and hotel in the Polynesian islands have been under strict guidelines not to harm the environment they are conducting business in. Thus, every resort has to abide by the environmental laws to some extent. However, it is also the tourist’s responsibility to ensure that Polynesia's environment is taken care of during their travel.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Even though resorts are aplenty in the Polynesian islands, one can manage to find a guest house or two, which helps tourists cut costs and live away from the crowds. Check out the following names to book a place for yourself. Alternatively, you can also stay at a hostel with friends from other countries under the same roof.

Haere Mai I Te Fare
Fare D’Hotes Tutehau
Fare Tokoau Moorea
PainaPaopao Backpacker
Manomano Lodge
Mahana Lodge Hostel & Backpacker

Apartments

There are quite a few options to rent apartments in the significant Polynesian islands such as New Zealand, Tahiti, and Hawaii. If you have a friend staying on the islands, it is all the easier for you to look for a place to crash. Alternatively, you can look for a broker who can give your tours of apartments that you can rent for a short while living there.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is an excellent option while you are hitchhiking in the islands of Polynesia. As long as you live in a friend’s place, it is relatively easy and affordable to couchsurf. The idea of Couchsurfing is to cut costs while traveling. The house hosts either charge a nominal fee or let tourists stay free of cost and allow them an experience of what it feels like to live in a local family.

Camping

Polynesia is a place that is full of campgrounds. One can either hire or carry their tents and reserve their spot at a campground. Both Bora Bora and French Polynesia have excellent camping grounds that offer people a perfect place to lie down and light fires for roasts and s’mores. The campsites are popular with the backpackers in the Islands.

Some of the popular campsites in Polynesia are:

Tokerau Tahiti
Camping Hiva Plage
Bora Bora Shelter for Backpackers
Deer Valley Campsite
Houhora Heads Motor Camp
Macetown Campsite

Regions

There are three major regions in Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. The Polynesian Islands form a triangle, which is called the Polynesian Triangle. The three island groups that define islands' clusters are Easter Island, Hawaii, and New Zealand. There are four major parts of Polynesia, which are known as:

Australia and New Zealand
Melanesia
Micronesia
Polynesia

Taking all the islands together, the entire area falls under the islands of the Pacific.

Cities

Polynesia is home to some of the world's wonderful cities, which offer both visuals of the sea's shores, rocky cliffs and mountains, and the laid-back city life. Of course, one would also find metropolitan cities in the Polynesian islands. This is more common in the Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand. However, the cities in these islands in the Pacific offer an experience that other cities in the world fail to – with food, coastal climate, and entertainment hubs. The cities in Polynesia include the following:

Honolulu
Funafuti
Apia
Papeete
Nuku’alofa
Pago Pago

These are the largest cities in the Polynesian islands, which offer excellent navigation through the towns and means to livelihood.

Getting There and Moving Around

Moving around in Polynesia is not a big task. Indeed, it does not have a well-established transport system with bus routes and well-made roads, but that is just in the remote islands' interiors. Bigger islands in the Polynesian Islands have well to do transport routes. Let us take a look at how to move about in the Polynesian Islands.

Air

In the Polynesian regions, the best way to travel by air is to land in Hawaii. Hawaii has proper air routes that have excellent connectivity to the United States of America and Australia, and Japan. Many flights are coming in from East Asia as well. Easter Island has connectivity to Chile's interiors, while French Polynesia has connectivity to Los Angeles and Paris.

Bus

Bus services are frequent in Polynesia, especially when it comes to le trucks. Even though le trucks have seen a sharp decline in their availability, the government-run bus services frequently use time charts and bus stops. Bus services are connecting the coasts of all islands.

Train

One can find train services within the larger islands such as New Zealand. However, the smaller islands have no availability of trains. The transport system is primarily water-based, and thus, tourists will find several ways to navigate via waterways.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a standard mode of transport when living in Polynesia. This is an excellent way to travel without depending too much on public transport, which can be infrequent. Besides, it saves much money. Hitchhiking is an option for women in Polynesia as well. The people of Polynesia are kind, and there are no issues regarding safety.

Others

Other modes of transport usually include walking around and cycling. Both of these modes of transportation are sustainable, and thus, they offer a way of caring for the Polynesia environment. Hire bicycles and go on treks in the islands of Polynesia and live an experience of a lifetime.

Boating is the most important method of transport in Polynesia. It would never be possible to travel from one island to another without any boats or cruise ships plying between them. Besides, more than any other public transport it is boating which is so prevalent.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is the idea of buying only what one needs for themselves. Often tourists tend to buy a lot more than what they need. This can prove to be detrimental to the environment. Thus, look around for sustainable options in the first place. If you find a thrift store, then you can make your purchase from there. Else, try to contain your shopping list to as little as possible.

Recycling

Polynesia makes an effort to recycle things in the safest manner possible. This is especially true in the hospitality sector of the islands. Recycling is the most sustainable way forward for people living on the islands. From drinking water to clothes and bottles, Polynesian men and women are quite conscious about the waste they generate, leading them to find a use for everything they discard off.

Alternatively, there have been sustainable building materials on the island made out of recyclables. At present, the islands of Polynesia recycle items at a rate of 48%.

Waste

One of the biggest threats in Polynesia is water pollution. Apart from the effects of global warming, the oceanic waters have seen a sharp rise in the plastic waste dumped in the Pacific. This has caused to accumulate on the shores of the Polynesian islands. Thus, people littering around in the islands only make the situation worse for the local people.

When you are traveling to Polynesia, make it a point to carry your waste with you till you find a suitable place to dump it. Be on the lookout for dustbins so that you can get rid of your waste paper and things carefully to preserve the environment.

Most hotels will have segregated wastebaskets so that tourists can separate their degradable and non-degradable waste accordingly.

Work and Study Abroad

The Polynesian Islands allow great opportunities to work as well as study abroad. Since the islands are not densely populated, several people have settled down here to find jobs that help them earn a living. One can look for careers in hotels and the hospitality industry because one sector is booming in the islands. They often require engineers for flying jets and repairing automobiles. English tutors are also exceptionally valued in Polynesia.

People who wish to observe the culture by studying in Polynesia can easily enroll themselves in the universities' courses to stay there as a student.

Exchange Student

Several academic programs in Polynesia offer a student exchange program. This comprehensive study abroad helps students live in a different environment, understand their culture, ad simultaneously considers the Polynesian islands as a place to return to later on for their academic growth.

Students from all over the world can apply to programs at the University of French Polynesia.

Au Pair

Polynesia is a country with many people who are continually depending on odd jobs for their livelihood. If you are looking for an au pair, then this place will provide you with the best options as the people are trustworthy and genuine by their nature. Tourists can focus on their vacation while they have a local helper to help them out with their housework and childcare at a minimal cost. The Polynesian people are friendly by nature. Thus, there will be no difficulties adapting to their culture or vice versa.

Volunteering

The Polynesian islands' volunteering services are limited to charitable activities launched by the powerful countries situated close to the Pacific. A lot of non-profit organizations work in these regions to educate the people living in these islands. Thus, one can sign up with them to engage in volunteer work. Else can also take up a few cleaning drives to clean up the beaches and the seawater.