1

American Samoa. Great scenery, genuinely friendly locals, no tourists, relatively affordable. Downsides are pollution, dogs, and limited flight connections.

Fiji would be my other choice. The trade off there is that there are many more tourists, but the available flight connections make it a great base for exploring the S Pacific.

2

Thank you, tch7

Fiji seems a good bet, what would you say about the independent Samoa?
And Tonga?

3

American Samoa (and Western Samoa) has had dog problems since at least mid 1960's, you'd think by now someone could figure out the problem..and FIX it!

4

And I love cats :(

5

Independent Samoa...No thanks. Don't regret going there, but don't care to ever go back for a number of reasons.

Can't personally comment on Tonga. Good reputation on the TT, but definitely less developed.

6

They're all great places in their own way but none are perfect-the place OP is looking for-no tourists but developed-doesn't exist.

And none allow a year's residency.

7

have a look at Levuka, Fiji. its off the turist track, very friendly, and it's a bit "developed" with some infrastruckture such as shops, transport, supermarket, hospital, post office, trips to islands, a club, restaurants..... long term acom at oniviro cottage or at the crows nest

8

I agree that a year-long stay may pose some legal difficulties - though in the case of Fiji, one could easily stay 3 months, then exit and re-enter.
None of the South Pacific countries is really "cheap", though Fiji is the cheapest one, followed by Tonga. But overall, Fiji is the most visited country in the region, though some corners of it are totally untouristed and undeveloped. I found both Fiji and Tonga friendly enough, but have the feeling the a long stay would be easier to arrange in Fiji.
Independent Samoa is not for me either...

9

(Independent) Samoa fits most of your criteria very well (in fact all, except cheap). I live here for many years and would never even remotely consider to move to Fiji, Tonga or even American Samoan. I could have done so in the past but I really don't like any of these countries that much, for different reasons. As a place to stay - which is a completely different thing from a touristic visit. From a short-term travel point of view even my preferences would be different.

Because it really is a matter of personal preferences. One year would be a problem in Samoa too, but not too difficult to solve. Main question - in any of these small countries: what are you going to do all the time ...? Especially if you want it cheap, so not traveling around that much.

10

I'd opt for Fiji as well, but what about Cook Islands? I suspect there'd still be the problem of a long stay, though.

11

Max time in the Cooks is 6 months. You might consider two or even three different countries.

12

A year is quite a good time to get into the culture of your chosen island Ivan. All islands in the Pacific are going to challenge you, no doubt. Cross-cultural issues are huge when you get off the beaten track, but it's worth it if you push through the pain barriers. You would need a sponsor to go a full year though. Our guests have no trouble because we support their applications but you wouldn't be able to do more than the two months without local support.

I've been in Samoa almost three years running voluntourism programmes and the country certainly has some magic. Hospitality is enshrined in the culture so that you will always get a lovely smile where ever you go. After the first three weeks off the tourist trails though and you will start to get challenged. Try to get a supporting local organisation or local contact before you just arrive - will save you heaps of money, time and frustration.

Friendliness is tops in Samoa. Cheap is relative. Except for Internet costs, the actual costs are not too bad in Samoa if you compare them to overseas costs, but the relative income differences are huge. If you are fully self funding though you will be fine.

Best is relative too. It depends on what you are looking for. If you want a deep experience in Samoa, really getting into the villages, then sign up for a SWAP Ambassador role and your life will probably never be the same again. If you want to just enjoy the place then Beach Fales and a Sunday to'onai with the local families will do you well.

13

Thank you, melbar!

i will do some research, it seems great!

Best

14

Thank you, Laszlo!

Fiji is becoming my first option, no doubt.