Blackbaud expands Asia-Pacific Rim focus
A whiff of the exotic Asia-Pacific Rim was in the air at Blackbaud Corp.'s annual meeting of shareholders last week. One day before the June 23 investors gathering, the Charleston-based technology company announced the opening of its first office in Hong Kong.

Places to Go in the South Pacific

The South Pacific is renowned for a lot more than just being the name of a popular Broadway musical. It’s also the location of breathtaking tropical islands, Polynesian culture, world war two historical sites, coral reefs, volcanoes, and more. There are thousands of tropical islands in the area that make fabulous holiday spots.  Some of the more well known islands are Fiji, French Polynesia, The Cook Islands, Vanuatu, and Micronesia.

There are a lot of tropical islands to choose from, there is something for everybody in the South Pacific.  Some islands are so small they are only beach and a nearby coral reef.  Other islands are so gigantic they have volcanoes, a lot of animals, and even canyons. For any lover of tropical beaches, there are many options if you head to this part of the world. Here is a quick round up of the highlights: 

For those seeking adventure, Fiji remains the best island to choose from. This country has some 322 islands and less than a third are inhabited. Most of the action happens on the western islands. Fiji has excellent diving and Kadavu is one of Fiji’s best dive sites. The more energetic can go trekking in the Nausori Highlands overlooking Nadi. Taveuni also offers good hiking in the Bouma National Heritage Parki.

If you want a romantic holiday,, French Polynesia is one of the best romantic island destinations in the world.  Tahiti is famous for its expensive resorts whose bungalows sit over the ocean, providing an excellent way to take a morning swim- simply dive out of your bed! There are fancy spas, hikes, sailing expeditions, and tours specially designed for couples. Be warned though- French Polynesia is not cheap and trips to Tahiti could be expensive

Islands like Vanuatu and Micronesia are good off the beaten track islands. Vanautu lies just south of the Solomon Islands. The real attraction of Vanuatu is its phenomenal sightseeing. Underwater visibility at its peak hits fifty meters, revealing limitless schools of colorful fish darting around spectacular coral reefs, as well as a formidable array of submerged WWII wreckages. Above sea level, the scenery only gets more amazing.

Visitors to Micronesia can enjoy spectacular diving at the many underwater wrecks in Chuuk. The ruins of Nan Madol in Pohnpei are also worth the trip, providing a fascinating view back to the 13th century Saudeleur dynasty who ruled there. Or just want to calm down, find a nice coral atoll and take in the beautiful weather It's the kind of place where you pack your watch away and forget about time for a while. Don't forget the sunscreen though.

If you want Polynesian culture, unspoiled by mass tourism, The Cook Islands are where you should go. The Cook Islands Polynesian culture is famous for a number of things. Woodcarving is a common art form in the Cook Islands. Each island is famous for something unique. Rarotonga is known for its fisherman's gods and staff-gods, Atiu for its wooden seats, Mitiaro, Mauke and Atiu for mace and slab gods and Mangaia for its ceremonial adzes.

For those looking for spectacular island destinations, you can’t beat the South Pacific islands. These islands offer some of the best beaches, best diving, best ocean on the planet. There is also great food and culture here too. Polynesian culture is rich, diverse and has a long history. After a long day in the sun, there is nothing like a little outdoor BBQ and dance to make the perfect tropical island day even better.  By far, I believe that the best tropical islands are in this part of the world.

About the Author

Matt has traveled the south pacific and loves all the islands there. You can find out more about the top tropical islands as well as visiting fiji, The Cook Islands, and visiting French Polynesia.