Cruising the South Pacific: Hawaii and Port Moresby – If you’ve never been to the islands in the South Pacific, no words can truly depict the paradise that awaits. From tiny coral islands in French Polynesia to the flourishing rainforests in Fiji, you’ll soon understand why this is such a majestic region.
Many of these islands were created due to volcanic activity, from Tahiti’s plummeting waterfalls to the intense cliffs in Hawaii. This region has inspired filmmakers and authors for several decades, and when you take in the serious beauty of all that is the South Pacific, you’ll understand – wondrous beauty beckons, but you’ll have no words. The waters are sapphire, the beaches pristine, and the history begs to be uncovered. Can you imagine a traditional Samoan ceremony, or surfing lessons on a beach in Waikiki?
On Hawaii, just outside of Hilo, you can actually drive on the rim of a volcano. There are so many photo opportunities! Off the shores of Moorea, you can snorkel with stingrays and other plentiful aquatic life. On the island of Rangiroa, you can learn more about the cultivation of this region’s infamous black pearls. In Apia, there are local gardens that supply some of the world’s ginger, papaya, mangoes, and several other plants native to the area.
When you make your way to Port Moresby, you’ll have thought there is no way your vacation could have delivered any more beautiful, but you’ll be stunningly surprised. You can canoe through pristine lagoons of liquid turquoise, or get your hiking shoes on and take a day trip up to Afareaitu Waterfall.
This port, located in Papua New Guinea, was named after John Moresby, a captain who in 1873 transformed Port Moresby into one of World War II’s most booming bases. Today, there are cultural exhibits at Papua New Guinea’s National Museum that pay homage to Captain Moresby, as well as many of the other acclaimed men and women who have had a hand in the history of this port city.
At the nearby Nature Park, you’ll find more than 150 animal species, all native to the region, as well as exotic flora and fauna.