Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia

 Second to Tahiti in size, but in no other way, the French Polynesian Island known as a Nuku Hiva lacks the over-the-top personality and population of so many of its neighbors. Local town Taiohae in particular conjures up images of times fishing villages long gone by, though the entire island seems to have an old-world feel, though it does boast certain modern amenities (including comfy accommodation and even a single ATM machine!).  Why go? while many travelers find themselves perfectly happy on the bigger more touristic islands that pepper this list, people go to Nuku Hiva in order to escape the hustle and bustle of foreigners on beaches far from home. Nuku Hiva travelers will much more likely find themselves on secluded beaches all to themselves, or spending time in the great outdoors, seeing the island by foot.