South Pacific's Other Attractions
In addition to its waterfalls, the South Pacific has other attractions to keep you busy taking photos or admiring the scenery. This shouldn't be surprising since the South Pacific isn't really known for waterfalls (so by definition there must be other attractions). I’ve singled out some of the features that you’re bound to see upon a visit to "paradise." Read below to get a brief introduction to these features.
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Bora Bora Lagoons and Resorts: Perhaps the very reason why this island is considered the most beautiful in the world has to be its lagoons. Surrounding its main island, these calm bright turquoise waters extend out to smaller islands (motus). The lagoons are so far off the main island and some of the motus that they shelter the island from the monster waves of the Pacific Ocean. The result is very calm and gorgeous waters that allows for the famed overwater bungalows to exist in each resort.
And speaking of resorts, they're amongst some of the most luxurious in the world. But you don't necessarily need to be a celebrity to indulge in the guilty pleasures this place has to offer. Even ordinary folks (like you and I) can experience tropical paradise in a way that is unmatched anywhere else.
Belvederes: In Bora Bora and Moorea, you'll find overlooks (called Belvederes) giving you gorgeous looks at their lagoons as well as shapely volcanic peaks. Most of them are reachable either by tour, self driving, biking, or even good old fashioned hiking.
I know if you're in Bora Bora and especially in Moorea, you'll undoubtedly take photos in at least one of these overlooks.
Isolated Fijian Resorts: If you're into isolation and a sense that you're far away from the cares of the world, Fiji has heaps of self-contained island resorts that stand by themselves. It's a great way to relax, participate in activities, or even get to know some of the other folks on holiday with you. These island resorts can be as luxurious as Turtle Island or something more modest like Matamanoa Island (which Julie and I stayed at).
Tahitian (French Polynesian) Restaurants: This is a great way to truly experience the mix of French and Polynesian flavors that has made Tahiti THE prime place to indulge in memorable dining experiences. While many tourists are satisfied with all-inclusive packages that include food, I think going out on your own to try these restaurants is THE way to truly taste the wonderful mix of tropical fruits, Tahitian vanilla, local fish, and even meat.
Julie and I have enjoyed the Tahitian dining experience so much that we always compare all subsequent dining experiences to this. The places we have been to in our 2002 trip were Le Bateau and Te Honu Iti in Moorea as well as L'Espadon (Club Revatua), Bamboo House, Top Dive, and Bloody Mary's in Bora Bora. I encourage you to go out on your own away from the resort and try some of these (or other places I didn't mention) out.
Wildlife: Most of the tropical island wildlife is underwater. To experience this, you can go onto a lagoon, snorkel, dive, or go on some boat tour. However, there are also plenty of life on land as well - especially birds. As an added bonus (if you're a wildlife enthusiast), many organisms you'll find here are so isolated from the rest of the world that they exist nowhere else.
Mt Mouaputa: While tropical mountains can be a dime a dozen, this particular one stands out because it has a very big hole in it. In fact, one of the locals even jokingly tilted his head as he looked at it because it resembled a well-endowed woman looking up at the sky (at least from the angle he was looking at it). Nonetheless, it's an intriguing mountain and worth a look as you visit the east side of Moorea.
Lavena Coastal Walk: Even though the destination of this hike is a gorgeous waterfall called 
In addition to coastal scenery, there are secluded beaches, a village with a waterfall behind it (hard to photograph it though), and the intriguing Pedestal Rocks (Vatuni'epa).
