I'm planning a trip for my grandson's 18th birthday next year for the 2 of us for 2 weeks. He'd like to go to the South Pacific. I've been to Fiji and loved it. I'm looking for 2 islands - possibly BoraBora or one in that island group and either an island in the Cook group or one in the Fiji group of islands. I'm looking for something that isn't real touristy and crowded but yet has activities for an 18 year old. We'd like good snorkeling and an opportunity to explore the local culture. Also, not horribly expensive as I'm paying for everything. Any ideas would be appreciated.

I would recommend the Cook Islands. The main island of Rarotonga is fairly small and manageable over a few days. There are plenty of opportunities for activities for teenagers. There are no big hotels, and not a single high-rise building on the entire island (you are not allowed to build structures taller than the palm trees). Great hiking in the interior, some nice beaches, good snorkeling and diving locations, An interesting cultural centre, several night clubs that feature feasts and Polynesian dancers, etc. You can then fly to Aitutaki, an island that equals Bora Bora in beauty. A fantastic lagoon with better snorkeling than on Raro. For an even more remote experience, fly to Atiu, where you will probably be able to count the tourists on your two hands. Travel the dirt roads by motorbike, and hire a guide to take you to the famous caves.

I agree with ALF. If cost is really any kind of factor then the Cooks is the best choice between those 2. Note however that there is not much in the way of a night-life scene in any of those locations (not sure how much that matters). Lots of opportunity for hiking and watersports however. <BR><BR>I've plenty of photos of both groups here:<BR><BR>http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor<BR><BR>They are both terrific island groups to visit.<BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Ken

Having been many times to all the places you listed, I agree with going to Rarotonga & Aitutaki. You can jump around to the different "island nights" on Raro & the Friday night "pub crawl" is SO fun....we were out til 3:00am dancing with the locals so there is nightlife...just not every night! It is a much more manageable area & so comfortable you feel a part of the island life quickly. My Fiji experiences have been more at couples only resorts so I cannot comment on the family oriented ones & French Polynesia, to my basis of comparison, is getting too touristy. Now Samoa is another option. Very cuturally intact but probably too much so to entertain an 18 yr old. Yeah, go with the Cook Islands, you can't go wrong.

I agree with everything said about the Cook Islands. We like it so much we will be making our fourth trip there this fall. I would not choose Bora Bora but instead would consider Samoa or Vanuatu both of which have mostly unspoiled native cultures, something that the Cook Islands lack. They also offer good snorkeling, exploring, etc. Samoa and Vanuatu are also less expensive that Bora Bora. They are more in line with the Cook Islands.

Why not treat him to a cruise around quite a few of the islands? The cruises leave from Sydney mostly and go to Fiji, New Caladonia, Isle of Pines and Vanuatu and when you consider that all food and accommodation is catered for its a cost effective trip and very very pleasant.