Like a constellation of emerald stars glistening against the deep blue backdrop of the vast Pacific Ocean, the islands of Hawaii and the South Pacific are in many ways the perfect definition of paradise. Maybe it's the palm-lined lagoons, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches that pique your interest. Perhaps the stunningly diverse and always welcoming culture of the islands beckons you. Or you may just be drawn by the fact that these destinations are just remote enough to feel worlds away. Either way, packaged vacations or cruises to Hawaii will unlock unique tropical delights that will not leave any visitor indifferent. For western travelers, the Hawaiian Islands represent an obvious introduction to discover the riches of the Pacific. Easily accessible from the mainland U.S., the Aloha State conjures images of tan surfers riding gravity-defying waves, natives swaying to hula beats, and lush hillsides giving way to deserted beaches. Past the equator, the immense South Pacific boasts thousands of islands grouped into dozens of archipelagos, independent nations and overseas dependencies that range from Chile's mystical Easter Island to the teeming reefs of France's New Caledonia off the northeastern coast of Australia