‘Island time’ is part of the Pacific’s laid-back fabric and sometimes it can mean that business hours make their own rules, but generally…
In the Cook Islands business hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday and 8:00am to midday on Saturday.
In Samoa business hours are 8:00am to midday and 1:30pm to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings from 8:00am to midday. The post office doesn’t have a ‘siesta’ and opens 9:00am to 4:30pm. Government offices close on Saturday.
In Vanuatu it can all be a bit confusing for the visitor. Offices are generally open from 7:30am to 11:30am and from 1:30pm to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Shops open from 8:00am to 11:30am and from 1:30pm to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday and 8:00 to midday on Saturday. Banks open from 8:00 to 3:00pm Monday to Friday and the Post Office from 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, 7:30 to midday Saturday. Supermarkets and cafes stay open all day and the Port Vila markets open 24 hours, closing only from midday Saturday to Monday morning.
In Fiji business hours hold few surprises, so long as you’re prepared for a slower pace than at home. As the saying goes, the coconut will fall when it is ripe.