Dress

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Modesty is the rule

Generally speaking, you should dress conservatively the first few times you go ashore, especially when dealing with officials.  First impressions are important, just as in our culture.

It's no big deal to look around and see what local folks wear, and do likewise.

Conservative dress is almost universally appreciated in the islands.  This includes Eastern Polynesia, where things are more relaxed, but skimpy swimsuits and so on are still inappropriate.  

Church or formal occasions

Long pants for men, long dresses for women.  Women are never going to offend if their shoulders are covered and a long skirt is worn.  

In some areas, it's not appropriate to wear flowers in church, and in some areas women should wear a hat in church.  Bring one along and take note of what others are wearing.  We also tend to wear subdued clothing to church the first time.  Some places wear only white to church, others colorful attire.  Pay attention and do likewise.

In Western Oceania (Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands), local men wear skirts - either a wraparound or a tailored skirt, called by various names.  You'll make more friends if you wear one.  

Men's skirts?

If you feel uncomfortable about wearing a skirt, men, consider this:  What would you think if an islander showed up at a formal affair in your country wearing a skirt?  

You'd think it weird, if not perverse, right?  Well, turn the tables and consider what islanders think when you're the only one in the crowd dressed in long pants instead of a men's skirt...  Get the picture?

I began wearing what local men did quite awhile ago and found that it had an immediate and very positive effect in how Beth and I were received, particularly in smaller, more traditional villages.  No one would think of commenting on it until they know you very well, but believe me, it makes a difference.

Do's and Don'ts

Do dress conservatively, particularly women.

Don't show thighs (both sexes), it's particularly offensive and can be dangerous in some cultures as it sends the message that a woman is "available".  

Here's what can happen when visitors mess up.

December, 2005:  Abemama, Kiribati.  This ugly critter is a "varo" or Mantis Shrimp.  The knife is about 12 inches/30 cm long, so as you can see, they're fairly good-sized.  Varo live in holes in the sand and require a little practice to spot and to catch as they could hurt you, of course.  They're found throughout Oceania if you know where to look.

Delicious eating...  

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