• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in the Marshall Islands

Behavior

The people of the Marshall Islands are very humble and modest as they rarely express themselves in a way to offend another. This comes in respecting other people, dressing modestly, avoiding outward signs of wealth or affection, and having a reverence for God as most people are Christian.

As a visitor to the Marshall Islands, that same modesty is expected; modesty in dress, actions, words, and every aspect of your life. Many of the most important behavioral restrictions to be aware of are related to dress, dating (see below for both), and dining (see our Marshall Islands Food & Dining Page for more information). Also try to avoid being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or getting drunk in public.

Dress

Historically the clothing in the Marshall Islands was limited as men only wore a small piece of cloth called a lageb or a larger apron-like cloth from the waist down called a kal ortuman. Sometimes they would also wear a grass skirt, which covered the front and back of a man from the waist down (especially in the case of village chiefs). Women wore two large mats, one for the front of their body and the second for the back, both of which only covered the waist down and which were attached to a belt. However, today most people cover up and tend to dress conservatively. Women tend to wear loose-fitting dresses that cover their knees and shoulders while men tend to wear shorts and t-shirts.

As a visitor to the Marshall Islands you should also dress in a conservative manner as women should cover their shoulders and knees and men should make an effort to do the same, especially in regards to cover their knees (with long shorts). Swimwear should only be worn on private beaches and in resorts.

This page was last updated: November, 2013