Blank slate recommendation - dream trip to PNG/Tahiti/etc?

[Krusty]

Aloha - we are considering a trip to the Pacific in 2023 and we want to visit this region. Looking for recommendations wrt places to stay as well as authentic cultural activities. I saw Tonga was recently hit by a tsunami and I'm not what the impact was to the island.

 

[Lagoon of Mystery]

While I have not had the good fortune to venture into the Pacific, it is my understanding that the Cook Islands are a prime destination. They're pristine but not wholly commercialized and overwhelmed with tourists. As such, they're somewhat less expensive than other, more developed, destinations. If you want to get as close to authentic as possible, you should give them a hard look.

 

[Krusty]

While I have not had the good fortune to venture into the Pacific, it is my understanding that the Cook Islands are a prime destination. They're pristine but not wholly commercialized and overwhelmed with tourists. As such, they're somewhat less expensive than other, more developed, destinations. If you want to get as close to authentic as possible, you should give them a hard look.

Thank you and will definitely look into it!

 

[kanaloa]

I just noticed this thread. Hopefully you still browse the forum, Krusty.

In case Nuku Hiva is on your itinerary, I'll share these excursions which are on my dream trip list:

https://cannibal-art.com/pages/hakaui-adventure

The photos from the tours on his page and that he shares on Instagram are stunning.