Banks in open, small island economies of the Pacific have not only survived the Global Financial Crisis but remain highly profitable raising the question: what drives the strong profitability of banks in the region? This is the first study to systematically examine the determinants of bank profitability in a Pacific island context. Only one determinant—noninterest income—is significant. Policy makers can now obtain a deeper understanding of the components of this revenue item with a view to helping banks remain strong and stable through continuing global uncertainties.