Pacific Islands for kids

[A.C. Slater]

We really want to have a Pacific Island getaway this winter, with our 3-year-old boy. Has anyone had any great family-friendly experiences in the South Pacific, where there was a nice balance of fun stuff for the little one and exciting adventures for the parents?

Fiji is on sale right now. I'm leaning toward that.

[jawnbc]

I've been to a few islands in Fiji, several in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Raiatea) and a couple in the Cooks. On most measures the Cooks come out on top--unless you're very wealthy and want a 6 star bum-wiped-for-you experience (then go to French Polynesia).

Fiji's nice beaches are all several hours from the airport--often a flight or a boatride away--so factor in an extra half day of travel each way to your destination. And you're often in a place with few (or no) food options aside from what your resort offers.
Tahiti and Moorea's coral have mostly been destroyed by human interactions (watercraft, snorkeller stomping). The other islands are stunningly beautiful, but you need an additional (often expensive) flight to/from those islands. Which often requires spending one or more nights in Tahiti due to connecting times.

Rarotonga can be cheap and chips or indulgent. Lots of lovely beaches and a few (Muri side) stunning ones. Wherever you stay on the island your a 15 minute scooter or 30-40 minute bicycle ride away from the farthest point. Uses NZ$ and everyone speaks English. Not a huge restaurant selection, but more than enough for a 7-10 day holiday. If you have the cash, a trip up to Aitutaki (45 minute flight), as a day trip for a couple of nights, will give you the magical tropical atoll experience: there's more lagoon than island.

If you go for Raro, you can often score really good deals for accommodation by booking it yourself; sometimes package deals are a better deal.

[Hagabel]

We really want to have a Pacific Island getaway this winter, with our 3-year-old boy. Has anyone had any great family-friendly experiences in the South Pacific, where there was a nice balance of fun stuff for the little one and exciting adventures for the parents?

Fiji is on sale right now. I'm leaning toward that.

We spent a week in the Whitsundays last Sept with 7/9 yr olds and they had fun. Daydream Island.