The Pacific Islands braid together ancient navigation routes, volcanic peaks, and reef-fringed lagoons. Over 40 days, this itinerary slows the pace across three hubs—Oahu (Hawaii), Papeete for Tahiti–Moorea–Bora Bora (French Polynesia), and Nadi for Fiji—so you can savor culture, cuisine, and the water in all its moods.

Expect living history: Hawaiian aliʻi palaces, Tahitian marae, and Fijian village welcomes. Mix iconic hikes like Diamond Head with lagoon days, 4x4 rainforest circuits, and manta encounters. Plan for ferries and short hops alongside long-haul flights—the reward is time in three of the South Pacific’s most storied archipelagos.

Practical notes: Reef-safe sunscreen is a must to protect corals. In villages, dress modestly and ask before photos; offer a sevusevu (kava) in Fiji. English is widely spoken in Hawaii and Fiji; French and Tahitian in French Polynesia. Card payments are common, but carry some cash for markets and roadside snacks.

Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii

Oahu blends urban energy with emerald mountains and classic surf breaks. Honolulu’s Waikiki offers golden beaches and big sunsets; the Windward side brings dreamy bays and pillbox hikes; the North Shore is surfing’s holy ground. You’ll sample plate lunches, malasadas, poke, and inventive island cuisine.

Getting there: Search flights to Honolulu on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From the U.S. West Coast it’s ~5–6 hours; East Coast ~10–12 hours; from Australia ~10–11 hours.

Where to stay: Browse Waikiki condos, Kailua beach houses, and North Shore bungalows on VRBO Honolulu or hotels like Halekulani, Prince Waikiki, and Turtle Bay Resort on Hotels.com Honolulu.

Days 1–4: Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Reserve USS Arizona Memorial tickets in advance (limited day-before releases). The exhibits and boat ride contextualize the December 7, 1941 attack; plan ~3–4 hours.
• Diamond Head (Lēʻahi): A short but steady climb for crater and coast views. Morning slots are cooler; reservations required.
• Honolulu’s food scene: Breakfast at Island Vintage Coffee (acai bowls, Kona brews) or Koko Head Cafe (brunch by chef Lee Anne Wong—order the kimchi bacon cheddar scone). Lunch at Helena’s Hawaiian Food (kalua pig, pipikaula) or Ono Seafood (made-to-order poke). Dinner at The Pig & The Lady (modern Vietnamese; P&L pho French dip) or Roy’s Waikiki (Hawaii Regional Cuisine; misoyaki butterfish).
• Sunset and sips: House Without A Key (hula at dusk), or craft cocktails at Bar Leather Apron (legendary Old Fashioneds—book ahead).
• Sweet treats: Leonard’s Bakery for malasadas; Waiola Shave Ice for superfine shave ice.

Days 5–7: Windward Oahu and the East Side

• Hanauma Bay: Reserve online; closed a couple days each week. Expect crystalline snorkeling among thriving reef fish; arrive early.
• Lanikai Pillbox Hike & Kailua Beach: Short hike with aquamarine views, then beach time. Grab lunch at Nalu Health Bar & Cafe (ahi sandwiches) or Uahi Island Grill (garlic shrimp, loco moco).
• Byodo-In Temple & Hoomaluhia: A serene non-denominational temple set against the Koʻolaus; pair with the photogenic gardens of Hoomaluhia.
• Coffee stops: Morning Glass Coffee + Cafe (Mānoa) or ARVO (Kakaʻako) for flat whites and avocado toast.

Days 8–10: North Shore Days

• Surf & snorkel: Winter brings giant waves to Waimea and Pipeline; summer turns Shark’s Cove into a snorkel playground. Visit Waimea Valley for a waterfall swim.
• Food trucks and classics: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (garlic shrimp), Ted’s Bakery (chocolate haupia pie), and dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s (prime rib, poke nachos).
• Kualoa Ranch: Movie sites, e-bike tours, and zipline across Jurassic landscapes.

Days 11–14: Culture, Museums, and Free Days

• Iolani Palace & Bishop Museum: Learn the stories of Hawaiʻi’s monarchs and deep Polynesian voyaging knowledge.
• Chinatown eats: Dim sum at Legend Seafood, noodles at Lam’s Kitchen, pastries at Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery.
• Open time: Extra beach hours, a Koko Crater Railway hike, or stand-up paddling on the Ala Wai. Consider a day trip to the leeward lagoons for calmer waters.

Next flight: Honolulu to Papeete (Tahiti) is typically ~5.5–6 hours nonstop on select days or ~8–12 hours via a connection. Expect ~$300–$700 one-way. Compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Papeete (Tahiti) with Moorea & Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Papeete hums with market mornings, roulettes (food trucks) at night, and island rhythms in between. Use it as your launchpad to Moorea’s emerald spires and Bora Bora’s electric-blue lagoon, where coral gardens and overwater bungalows feel otherworldly.

Where to stay: For arrival/departure nights near Papeete, see VRBO Papeete and Hotels.com Papeete. For island stays, browse VRBO Moorea / Hotels.com Moorea and VRBO Bora Bora / Hotels.com Bora Bora.

Days 15–17: Tahiti Essentials

• Papeete Market (Marché de Papeete): Go early for vanilla, monoi oils, and fruit. Breakfast on fresh papaya, poisson cru, and coconut pastries; look for Café Maeva under the market roof for coffee and croque-monsieur.
• Island loop by car: Swim at the Faarumai Waterfalls, feel the Arahoho Blowhole spray, and take a guided 4x4 into Papenoo Valley—ferns, basalt cliffs, and river crossings.
• Teahupoʻo lookout: Watch one of the world’s heaviest waves break along the peninsula. In calm conditions, book a lagoon cruise to snorkel coral gardens.
• Dinner by the water: The Vai’ete Roulottes (waterfront food trucks) serve sashimi plates, crepes, steak frites, and Chinese dishes; or try Blue Banana in Punaauia for tuna tartare over the lagoon.

Days 18–21: Moorea—Spikes and Lagoons

• Getting there: Ferry from Papeete to Moorea is ~30–45 minutes (~$15–$20). Rent a car or e-bikes on arrival to explore the ring road.
• Belvedere Lookout & Three Coconuts Pass: Panoramas over Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, then a moderate hike through mape (Tahitian chestnut) forest to the pass.
• Lagoon day: Snorkel with blacktip reef sharks and rays in a shallow sandbar (guided tours are abundant); stop at underwater tikis and coral gardens.
• Eat & drink: Lunch at Snack Mahana (island-favorite poisson cru and grilled mahi), dinner at Rudy’s (bacon-wrapped parrotfish, French-Tahitian flair), sunset cocktails at Moorea Beach Café.
• Coffee and treats: Cafés Moorea in Maharepa for local roasts and pastries; fruit smoothies at roadside stands.

Days 22–27: Bora Bora—Electric Blue Days

• Getting there: Fly Tahiti (PPT) to Bora Bora (BOB), ~50 minutes. Return fares often run ~$220–$400. Boats ferry you from the motu airstrip to your resort.
• Classic highlights: A circle-island lagoon tour to coral gardens and manta/reef shark zones; a motu picnic with poisson cru made in a coconut bowl; a short hike for views of Mt. Otemanu’s jagged profile.
• Beaches & snorkeling: Matira Beach has powder sand and public access to prime snorkeling. Consider a half-day jet ski circuit with reef breaks and storytelling.
• Where to eat: Bloody Mary’s (pick your fresh catch on ice), Lucky House – Fare Manuia (excellent thin-crust pizza and sashimi), and Bora Bora Yacht Club (tuna tartare at sunset).

Next flight: Papeete to Nadi (Fiji) usually involves one stop (often via Auckland or Honolulu). Total travel time ~8–14 hours; fares commonly ~$350–$850 one-way. Compare routes on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Nadi (Viti Levu), Fiji

“Bula!” Fiji’s welcome is as warm as its lagoons. Base in Nadi/Denarau for easy ferries to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, add time on the Coral Coast for beaches and adventure, and meet iTaukei culture in villages over kava and song.

Where to stay: See Nadi/Denarau hotels and villas on VRBO Nadi and Hotels.com Nadi. For Coral Coast options, browse Hotels.com Sigatoka or Hotels.com Pacific Harbour.

Days 28–30: Nadi, Denarau, and Cloud 9

• Garden of the Sleeping Giant & Sabeto Mud Pools: Wander orchids and rainforest paths, then soak in geothermal mud pools nearby—rustic and fun.
• Denarau day: Pool time and a sunset cruise, or a boat to the floating bar Cloud 9 for wood-fired pizza and overwater lounging.
• Eat & caffeinate: Breakfast at Bulaccino (roastery, hearty breakfasts), brunch or desserts at Taste Fiji Kitchen (locally sourced), dinner at Indigo (Indian & Asian on the marina) or Rhum-Ba (steaks, seafood, rum list). Nightcap at Ed’s Bar, a local institution.

Days 31–35: Yasawa Islands—Castaway Vibes

• Getting there: The Yasawa Flyer ferry departs Port Denarau daily; rides range ~2–4.5 hours depending on island, ~$60–$130 one-way. Resorts often bundle transfers and meals.
• Pick your isle: Blue Lagoon Beach Resort (bright lagoon, house reef), Paradise Cove (good diving and cuisine), or Barefoot Manta (seasonal manta cleaning stations).
• Activities: Snorkel soft corals and giant clams, kayak to sandbars, visit limestone caves, and join a village visit with a respectful kava ceremony (sevusevu). Evenings bring meke dance and lovo earth-oven feasts.

Days 36–38: Coral Coast & Pacific Harbour—Reefs and Rivers

• Road trip: Nadi to Sigatoka is ~1.5–2 hours by car. Stop at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park for coastal walks and archaeological sites.
• Wildlife & water: Kula WILD Adventure Park (native birds, zip lines), snorkeling at shallow reefs, or a jetboat on the Sigatoka River.
• Shark diving (for thrill-seekers): From Pacific Harbour, operators run controlled dives with bull sharks at Beqa Lagoon (experience requirements apply). Book at least a day ahead; expect ~$180–$250 including gear.
• Where to eat: Resort restaurants dominate on the Coral Coast; in Sigatoka town, try local curry houses and bakeries for roti parcels and pineapple pies.

Days 39–40: Back to Nadi—Markets and Farewell

• Nadi Town & temple: Visit the colorful Sri Siva Subramaniya temple and the main market for chilies, taro, and tropical fruit.
• Souvenirs & chill: Last swims at Wailoaloa Beach, a massage, and a sunset dinner at the marina. Pack dried mango and Nama (sea grapes) for the flight.
• Fly home: Search onward flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Australia/NZ are ~3–4 hours; U.S. West Coast ~10–11 hours; onward to Europe typically via Asia or the U.S.

Sample Inter-Island Logistics & Costs (for planning)

• Oahu car rental: ~$45–$90/day; parking in Waikiki can add ~$25–$50/day. TheBus serves most sights if you want to go car-free.
• Tahiti–Moorea ferry: ~30–45 minutes, ~$15–$20 per person. Several daily departures.
• Papeete–Bora Bora flight: ~50 minutes each way; RT commonly ~$220–$400. Inter-island passes can save if visiting multiple islands.
• Yasawa Flyer (Fiji): ~2–4.5 hours depending on island; ~$60–$130 one-way. Many resorts are meal-plan only (budget ~$90–$130/day pp).

Food and drink quick list (local favorites): Oahu: Helena’s, The Pig & The Lady, Roy’s, Side Street Inn (late-night plates), Bar Leather Apron. Tahiti/Moorea/Bora Bora: Vai’ete Roulottes, Blue Banana, Snack Mahana, Rudy’s, Bloody Mary’s, Bora Bora Yacht Club. Fiji: Bulaccino, Taste Fiji Kitchen, Indigo, Rhum-Ba; resort lovo feasts and kokoda (Fijian ceviche).

This 40-day itinerary balances big-ticket sights with hammock time, letting you learn the stories behind each island while reveling in their lagoons and mountain silhouettes. You’ll return with salt in your hair, sandalwood on your skin, and a new set of Pacific words—aloha, māuruuru, and bula—threaded into your memories.