Aloha and Bula,

My name is Melissa Jacques-McCoy and I have been a resident in the Hawaiian Islands (Maui & Kauai) since 1974. Arriving only days before my 20th birthday, I have been in love with these islands for 27 years. Who would have know that when I was living in a 1961 volkswagen camper at the campground that was then called "Seven Sacred Pools", that this many years later I would own a travel agency that sells millions of dollars of Hawaii, Fiji and Tahiti Vacations. To this day, Hana and Kipahulu on the island of Maui are two of my favorite places on earth.

In 1986 I had my first experience traveling to a South Pacific Island, Fiji. It wasn't until my return there in 1990 with my soon to be husband, Michael, that a new passion took hold. One that has been going strong ever since. We were enamored with Fiji. The diving, the people, the people, the people (did I say that 3 times?). The small intimate resorts with 10 Bures with thatched roofs completely captivated me. Matagi was my first favorite - I didn't put a shoe on my foot for 8 whole days!!!! Now THAT is a vacation! When we built our first travel website, Fijireservations.com, in 1996, it became evident that it was a really good decision. 8 years later, I am completely immersed in promoting, marketing and enjoying the Fiji Islands. Whether it is diving at my favorite diving/nature resort, Moody's Namena, or luxuriously relaxing at Namale Resort & Spa or Taveuni Island Resort, being spoiled at Vatulele, pampered with facials and massage with my best girlfriend at J.M. Cousteau Resort, or amazed at how delightful Wadigi Island Villa is.... Fiji is for me! I am now discovering digital video and photography and that I have a little knack for writing stories. All of a sudden, everything is coming more alive! My husband's photography is gorgeous and will be a part of what unfolds here.

These pages will revolve around the parts of the world or travel types that we sell at our travel agency, McCoyTravel.com. So, in addition to Fiji, Tahiti and Hawaii, you will find personal experiences, photography and other personal notes on Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and more as they become available. No doubt, some personal vacations will sneak in. My husband and I have enjoyed Costa Rica 3 times (we love Costa Rica as we are bird watchers and love the jungle) and this year we are planning a trip to Africa. We are big fans of New Zealand and visit often. I went to New Zealand with my best girlfriend, Susan, in October and discovered that it’s a fun place to visit with my girlfriend too (I usually go with my husband). Michael, my husband, and I snuck in another trip to New Zealand in December and experienced the most incredible spring lupins throughout the South Island. Highlights of these two trips were Blanket Bay Lodge, Grasemere Lodge, Villa South Pacific, Milford Mariner overnight boat, Lake Moreaki Wilderness Lodge, Master’s Lodge in Napier and Huka Lodge.

In addition to the trips my husband and I take every year, Susan and I travel yearly to celebrate our birthdays. We had to investigate the Wine Spa... Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux in 2000... Enjoyed a luxury vacation in Fiji in 2001 (Wakaya, Vatulele, and Namale)... Spend 2 weeks in Tahiti in 2002 on the Paul Gauguin and the Overwater bungalows.... Two years ago it was our New Zealand trip. Last year I was celebrating my 50th (Susan her 49th) and we went to Tonga ( a new country for me) and swam with the Southern Hemisphere Humpback whales. 5 days of kayaking, small boating and snorkeling with the gentle giants. We then headed back to Fiji to the remote Island of Kadavu where my husband and I use to operate week long luxury sea kayak expeditions. I shared with Susan the “other” Fiji offering the richer cultural experience that Kadavu has to offer, miles of remote perfect white sand beaches and a Meke and Lovo in the friendly village of Natokolau.. Only accessible by boat. This is the village we would end our kayak trips at.. The Happy Village of Natokalau. This year will be Susan’s 50th and we are off to Italy!

On my must visit list: I am enchanted by Samoa... With the mildly eccentric Coconuts Beach Club Resort and the remote and literally zero tourist Savaii Island calling me with her gorges, waterfalls, valleys and pristine untouched beaches... I am being lured to this remote oasis that most of us know so little about for that very reason.. It’s remote! Tasmania... Lord Howe Island.. Belize.... Pohnpei.... Bali...

But in between it all... I can’t stop thinking of Fiji... It is always there calling... I really love Fiji! It’s not something you decide.. It’s something that happens.

This year many of my staff are enjoying Fiji as well. Mike and Joanne just got back. Hiapo goes in October. Lori and Minerva go in November. And I have special Fiji connections in my office too. Lori lived in Savu Savu for 9 years. Cindy was married there in 1988 and has property. So there are 3 girls in my office (including me) that own land and are very connected to all things Fiji. So if you want to know about Fiji.. You might want to check in with us..

Mahalo and Vinaka Thank you for visiting.
Melissa