Possible Clues:

• I hit at the tropical island
• Polynesian island, chief town Papeete
• Where you might score a hit in it in island society
• It returns about a strike in islands society
• Pacific island - one that enthralls one in reflection
• 1788 stop for the Bounty
• Island group a success in time after the writer leaves
• Where Gauguin painted "By the Sea"
• Bernstein's 'Trouble in ___'
• Papeete is its capital