De Anna

Hi. Sorry if this has been asked a lot -- did a search, didn't find my answer, so here goes: <BR> <BR>I've been to Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai), and now am thinking our next trip will be either Bora Bora or Fiji. My only worry is that the south pacific culture/experience/scenery is similar to that of the Hawaiian isles. <BR> <BR>If the experience, culture, or scenery is different, how so? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>De Anna

LordBalfor (Ken Klein)

In March of 2000 my wife & went to both Hawaii & French Polynesia back to back. We loved Hawaii (Especially Kauai) but Moorea (and especially Bora Bora) are FAR more beautiful - and I don't say that lightly (I'm hoping to retire to Kauai). The islands of F.P. are much older than the Hawaiian islands and so have much more well developed reef systems - result in lots of clear, calm, and fairly shallow water - rather like enormous natural swimming pools. The closest I found to this was Kaneohe Bay on the windward shore of Oahu. <BR> <BR>If you haven't done it, take a look at my photos (of all the islands we visited) on Webshots.com. They go along way towards showing that the islands are NOT quite the same as Hawaii. The URL is: <BR> <BR>http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor <BR> <BR>Regarding the culture: There are indeed very strong similarities - however, French Polynesia has the added twist of being (imagine this) French! It's a terrific combination. <BR> <BR>Hawaii is wonderful, but F.P. is even better! <BR> <BR>I understand Fiji is terrific too (as are many of the islands of the South Pacific - I hope to eventually visit them all. <BR> <BR>

scurry

<BR>Imagine a mini-Hawaii with only a tiny fraction of the people -- that's fiji. <BR> <BR>In other words, the scenery is similar but on a much smaller scale. The culture is less western/touristy. Your experience will be much different.

kerry

Hi De Anna <BR>Fji is a totally different experience to Hawaii. I have marketed for a hotel on Maui and hence spent quality time there. Maui is condos and hotels - USA civilisation and culture imposed on the landscape. Fiji apart from the hotels round Nadi and on the Coral Coast, reflect a true island culture. On the mainland be prepared for something closer to a third world experience but as soon as you get out to any of the islands it is just what a South pacific Island holiday should be. Relaxed- you soon get into Fiji time! Great beaches and a whole range of accommodation from backpackers at $F15 per night; to self-contained 2 brm bures at $F75 per night; to moderate resorts at $F250/night up to the likes of Vomo and Turtle Islands at $F1500/night. Tha majical things is that most of they regardless of the price of the accommodation have great beaches. I have just come back from Nanunu-i-ra Is. and it is typical of a great Fijian experience. <BR>The other factor is that the Fijian natives are genuinely friendly and out-going. I'm afraid that it is so different from Hawaii that it would be a crime to compare them. <BR>Kerry

De Anna

Thank you all so much! Just the kind of information I was looking for. <BR> <BR>De Anna