Dreaming of an idyllic island paradise for your next getaway? Consider visiting the gorgeous islands of French Polynesia!This island nation is located in the South Pacific Ocean, almost directly south of Hawaii. It first became an Overseas Territory of France in 1946 and is now a French Overseas Collectivity as of 2003. While these Polynesian islands definitely have a French influence, they have their own currency, parliament, and language – though a vast majority of residents also speak French.