Nuka Hiva

Nuka Hiva is the next island on the list of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. If you remember the lyrics to "Southern Cross", Crosby, Stills, and Nash mention the Marquesas Islands as well as the "downhill run to Papeete". If you're flying to the Marquesas, it will take you over three hours to get to Nuka Hiva (the chain's largest island) from Papeete. It is not about snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons — those don't exist in the Marquesas, where the waters are darker and nutrient-rich. Instead, come for rich Polynesian cultural encounters and hikes to thundering waterfalls in lush rainforests.

Get your bearings by staying at Le Nuka Hiva by Pearl Resorts, the island's nicest hotel, with some of the best views from the sprawling infinity pool. Then take a boat with Cannibal Art to the Hakaui Valley, where you can hike to Vaipo Waterfall, one of Polynesia's tallest. The sight of a single cascade plunging down from 1,148 feet is well worth the 1.5-hour round trip hike to get there.

Location: Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia